Abstract
The purpose of this work was to determine if sublethal effects could be detected in two estuarine teleosts, the white perch (Morone americana) and hogchoker (Trinectes maculatus), exposed to water from Baltimore Harbor. Static bioassays were run using Patuxent River water (control), half-strength baltimore Harbor water, and full-strength Baltimore Harbor water. Metal and pesticide levels were monitored in each species. Physiological effects of Baltimore Harbor water included changes in thrombocyte, neutrophil, and basophil levels in white perch. Biochemical effects included increased LDH activity in the serum of white perch and hogchokers when exposed to Baltimore Harbor water, decreased acetylcholinesterase activity in white perch and hogchoker brains, and decreased catalase levels of the liver of both white perch and hogchokers. Sublethal effects were noted at the longer (28 and 30 day) exposures to the Baltimore Harbor water.
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Contribution No. 524 from the Chesapeake Biological Laboratory
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Morgan, R.P., Fleming, R.F., Rasin, V.J. et al. Sublethal effects of baltimore harbor water on the white perch,Morone americana, and the hogchoker,Trinectes maculatus . Chesapeake Science 14, 17–27 (1973). https://doi.org/10.2307/1350699
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.2307/1350699