Title
Factors controlling arsenic and chromium bioaccumulation in freshwater fish of Ontario, Canada
Author(s)
Kluke, C.; Lescord, G.; Johnston, T.; Lock, A.; Bhavsar, S.; Gunn, J.
Published
2020
Abstract
Fish consumption can be an important pathway for metal exposure to subsistence and recreational fishers. Elevated levels of chromium (Cr) and arsenic (As) have been reported in several fish species in the province of Ontario by Lescord et al. (2020) and the Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks. This is a concern particularly for First Nation communities in remote northern areas of the province that rely on locally sourced freshwater fish for subsistence and may experience changes to their environment from proposed mineral extraction projects in the “Ring of Fire” region in coming decades. While factors affecting bioaccumulation of certain metals in fish (e.g., mercury) have been well documented, it is not fully understood why some fish populations have elevated Cr and As levels in their muscle tissue. In this study, data on fish Cr and As concentrations from multiple sources (Ontario government; Laurentian University) are being aggregated to assess spatial patterns across Ontario to identify regions of greatest concern. Currently, the database includes information for 17 fish species representing 334 populations across Ontario. Since biogeochemical processes are known to regulate metal cycling at the watershed level, we will investigate the influence of watershed features (e.g., drainage area) and water chemistry (e.g., dissolved organic carbon) on Cr and As bioaccumulation in Ontario fish. Furthermore, links between fish characteristics, trophic interactions and preferred foraging habitat (inferred from stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes values) will be examined to determine their role in Cr and As bioaccumulation in freshwater fish. In addition to improving the efficacy of provincial fish contaminant monitoring programs, this research will also inform environmental monitoring and planning for future development in the “Ring of Fire” region in the far north of Ontario.
Full Citation
Kluke, C., G. Lescord, T. Johnston, A. Lock, S. Bhavsar, and J. Gunn (2020). Factors controlling arsenic and chromium bioaccumulation in freshwater fish of Ontario, Canada. 41st Annual Meeting (Virtual) of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. Online: Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry.

Access Full Text


Back

DMX4507200000