Research Activities

Impact of selenium on the aquatic biota in the prairie ecosystems

Collaborators

Current summary: Selenium is an essential trace metalloid that can bioaccumulate in fish and become toxic at concentrations slightly above the homeostatic requirements. There is a concern that coal mining activities and intensive draining of agricultural lands may release selenium, making it available to aquatic biota. Our research aims to characterize selenium exposures in regions of Western Canada potentially impacted by Se and assess the effects of selenium on fish physiological status, using hormonal, biochemical and growth indices. Since Se is an essential component of glutathione peroxidase, an enzyme important for regulating oxidative balance in cells, we will also compare oxidative stress indicators in fish species that are sensitive to Se toxicity (rainbow trout) and those that are resistant (brook trout). This research will provide new data on Se exposures in the aquatic ecosystems in Western Canada, on mechanisms of Se toxicity to fish species, and help us understand the cellular characteristics that make organisms sensitive or resistant to this chemical.

Summary Archive: Current | 2007 | 2006

 

Project Metadata

Study/Sampling Design
Water, sediment, benthic species and fish are collected at sites located within intensive agricultural areas, including irrigation canals, in proximity of coal mining sites, and reference sites in Alberta and Manitoba.

Number of projects providing material for study: 0

Location of Field Site(s)

Southern Alberta - Oldman River and irrigation canals linked to the Oldman River (49° 47’ N, 113° 07’ W)
Northern Alberta - streams and rivers in the coal mining area near Hinton, Alberta (53° 03’ N, 117° 18’ W)
Manitoba - Delta Marsh (50˚ 11’ N, 98° 24’ W), and Stephenfield Reservoir (49° 30' N, 98° 15' W)

Human Studies

Outcome or Process Studied
--- none provided ---

Exposure Medium, and Metals/Substances Quantified
--- none provided ---

Biological Endpoint(s) Monitored
--- none provided ---

Biota Studied

Species
Fish (rainbow trout, brook trout, white sucker, fat head minnow, whitefish, benthic invertebrates - amphipods, leeches)
Aquatic plants (bulrush, cattail, bladderwort, coontail, northern water milfoil)

Metals, etc. Quantified
Selenium (Se)

Biological Endpoint(s)
Growth indices (condition, hepatosomatic index), reproductive indices (gonadosomatic index, gonadal morphology, fertility - egg number, hatching success, larval development), hormonal stress response, oxidative stress, liver glycogen, Na/K-ATPase activity, vitamin A levels.

Physical Material(s) Studied

Medium/Media
Water, sediment

Metals, etc. Quantified
Selenium (Se)

Bibliographic References on-file with Secretariat: No

Data Available: No

Data Archived with MITHE-SN: No