Biomarker assessment of the effects of petroleum refinery contamination on channel catfish.

A suite of biomarkers was used to evaluate acute (1- and 7-day) heavy metal-induced toxicity in channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, caged at an abandoned petroleum refinery and a non-contaminated reference site. Assays performed include indicators of metabolic, hematological, osmoregulatory, and genotoxic stress. Two cage designs were utilized to evaluate the importance of exposure routes: one allowing exclusive contact with the water column and the other allowing contact with water and sediments. Data collected at 1 and 7 days postexposure indicated that the experimental fish were stressed, having significant increases in blood glucose. After 7 days of exposure, two hemodynamic parameters, hemoglobin and delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase, were significantly increased. There were no significant differences observed in other parameters measured.