Selenium Bioaccumulation and Developmental Impacts Among West Virginia Fishes

Since 2005, the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP) has studied whole-body selenium bioaccumulation among the State’s fishes and has researched deformities/deformity rates for larval fish (ichthyoplankton) populations residing in selenium-enriched waters.  Developmental deformities and other selenium-induced toxicological effects among bluegill sunfish, Lepomis macrochirus, have been quantified at levels near thresholds suggested for population sustainability.  In 2010, three additional populations of ichthyoplankton potentially impacted by elevated concentrations of selenium were reared and evaluated: largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides; white crappie, Pomoxis annularis; and common carp, Cyprinus carpio.  Populations of stream fishes (Cyprinids) exposed to increased selenium will also be examined via ichthyoplankton screening to determine potential toxicological effects in fluvial systems.   WVDEP continues to acquire data regarding selenium concentrations within fish eggs and gonads (ovaries) in attempt to predict larval deformity rates, as well as document developmental deformities among individuals surviving to later life stages.  The results of these studies will be discussed.