Publication Abstract

Hepatic ethoxyresorufin-o-deethylase (EROD) activity in flounder (Platichthys flesus) from contaminant impacted estuaries of the United Kingdom: Continued monitoring 1999-2001.

Hepatic ethoxyresorufin-o-deethylase (EROD) activity in flounder (Platichthys flesus) from contaminant impacted estuaries of the United Kingdom: Continued monitoring 1999-2001

M.F. Kirby, T.A. Bateman, P. Neall and J.E. Thain

The determination of hepatic ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD) has been used to assess the induction of the mixed function oxygenase system (MFO) of flounder (Platichthys flesus) in UK estuaries. Induction of the MFO system denotes possible exposure to certain organic contaminants (e.g. polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, poly chlorinated biphenyls) and its measure has been incorporated in national monitoring progammes. This study presents EROD monitoring data from 5 UK estuaries taken between 1999 and 2001 and builds on data from previous years. The results reveal that for all sampled estuaries EROD values have been significantly (p<0.05) elevated on the majority of occasions in comparison with the reference estuary, the Alde in Suffolk, UK. However, the limited temporal scale of the reported monitoring does not allow any conclusions to be drawn with respect to trends in the data. Possible factors influencing the data (size, gender, seasonality, reproductive status etc.) are discussed and recommendations for continued monitoring are made.

Reference:

M.F. Kirby, T.A. Bateman, P. Neall and J.E. Thain. 2004. Hepatic ethoxyresorufin-o-deethylase (EROD) activity in flounder (Platichthys flesus) from contaminant impacted estuaries of the United Kingdom: Continued monitoring 1999-2001. Marine Pollution Bulletin 49: (1-2) 71-78

M.F. Kirby*, T.A. Bateman*, P. Neall* and J.E. Thain*

Marine Pollutiion Bulletin 49: (1-2) 71-78