Date of Award
May 2022
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Freshwater Sciences
First Advisor
Rebecca Klaper
Committee Members
Gregory LeFevre, Michael Carvan
Keywords
Biomarkers, Contaminants of Emerging Concern, Ecotoxicology, Pharmaceuticals, Systems Biology, Toxicogenomics
Abstract
Currently, most studies that focus on the sublethal impacts of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) such as pharmaceuticals utilize a single-compound approach, whereas these compounds always occur as complex mixtures in the environment. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are a major contributor to the formation of these mixtures as current treatment technologies inadequately remove many chemical pollutants. There is a paucity of knowledge on the neurological impacts due to exposure to complex CEC mixtures resulting from the discharge of treated WWTP effluent into aquatic environments. This knowledge gap leaves incomplete assessments of the hazards and risks from exposure to treated effluent as even sublethal neurotoxicity can lead to negative ecological consequences. The present study utilized an in-situ effluent-dominated stream exposure as well as laboratory-controlled exposures to assess potential neurological impacts of CEC mixtures in fish using molecular, computational, and behavioral approaches. Candidate gene biomarkers for effluent exposure were identified in fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) that were also shown to relate to adverse neurological states. Behavioral endpoints related to locomotion and anxiety were measured in larval zebrafish (Danio rerio) to help determine the utility of this test for studying sublethal neurological impacts in response to chemical mixture exposures.
Recommended Citation
Schumann, Peter, "Molecular and Behavioral Impacts of Treated Wastewater Effluent on Fish" (2022). Theses and Dissertations. 2940.
https://dc.uwm.edu/etd/2940