1. Ecotoxicology You are what you eat!

2. Where is Pollution? Most near the coast… 76% of fish harvested come from the coast

3. Pfiesteria Found in waters high in nutrients Pfiesteria is microscopic algae that is a natural part of the environment Harmful Algal Bloom (HABs)

4. RED TIDE During intense algal blooms, dangerous levels of toxins are released into the water. These toxins kill fish (millions of fish may die in a red tide) and accumulate in the fatty tissues of shellfish. Humans and other animals that eat contaminated shellfish may become paralyzed or even die.

5. anthropogenic Human- caused pollutants –Population growth in many urban areas –New materials and new procedures →new and often dangerous chemicals

6. Coliform Bacteria EPA standards: One coliform colony / 100 mL of water is cause for concern Four colonies per 100 mL requires direct action The appearance of coliform bacteria indicates the presence of raw sewage. Raw sewage may contain disease-producing bacteria. Coliform is an indicator species. A coliform test measures the amount of E. coli present in the water supply

7. oil Exxon Poison to animals Gets into sediments Takes about 10 years to fully clean up Least damaging pollutant b/c it gets broken down by microorganisms

8. Sewage Viruses and bacteria if untreated Boston Harbor treatment project… backed up, raw sewage in drinking water!

9. DDT Pesticides 1940-1970’s Dichloro-Diphenyl-Trichloroethane Breaks down slow… still around TODAY! Prohibits Ca + uptake…birds break eggs when they sit on them

10. PCB Liquid coolant, insulation Polychlorinated Biphenyls Liver cancer, genetic mutations, reproductive problems

11. Lead Paint Mental retardation

12. Mercury Batteries, electronics, medical products Does not affect humans (does effect animals) Different forms: elemental, inorganic Bacteria can change Mercury into Methylmercury (bad for us)

14. Methylmercury Absorbs easily into tissue Poisonous!!! Eliminated very slowly Concentrated in shells and fingernails Blindness, slurred speech, reproductive failure Passed from pregnant mom to baby- neurological problems 375,000 babies born each year affected

16. Plant Toxins Ciguatera Poisoning Toxin= icthyosarcotoxin Originates from the blue green algae in the food chain of the fish Fish known to carry ciguatoxins –Barracuda –Black grouper –King mackerel Sensory reversal…

17. Bioaccumulation Bioaccumulation: build-up in concentration of something with each step of the food chain –Crosses the blood/brain barrier and placenta –Eliminated from living tissue very slowly –Is contained in fish flesh and is not reduced or removed by cleaning, trimming or cooking Bioconcentration: comparison between creature’s concentration and concentration in environment (i.e. seawater)