Funding Program: Contaminant Biology

Statement of Problem: Elemental contaminants (primarily metals) emanating from mining and other sources have been identified as a high priority concern of the NPS Ozark National Scenic Riverways (ONSR) of southeastern Missouri. Park waters supporet a population of Ozark hellbenders, which have been identified as imperiled in Missouri and have been proposed for Federal listing. Ongoing and proposed mining are sources of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and other metals to park waters, and predatory fishes (especially smallmouth bass, a recreationally significant species) within the park fall under the statewide human consumption advisory for mercury (Hg). The source(s) of elevated Hg in Missouri has not been conclusively identified, but probably includes atmospheric emissions from coal-fired power plants. Monitoring for contaminants in fish as presently conducted requires the periodic sacrifice of large numbers of fish on a routine basis, which is becoming increasingly unpopular among both sport fishers and natural resource managers. This study will evaluate a method that may reduce or eliminated the sacrifice of fish in the process of determining contaminant burdens for the purpose of estimating health risks associated with fish consumption by humans. A related study seeks to develop a monitoring protocol for mining-derived metals in invertebrates.

Objectives: The specific objective of this research is to provide a method that may reduce or eliminate the sacrifice of fish in the process of determining contaminant burdens for the purpose of estimating health risks associated with fish consumption by humans.