Selenium Bioaccumulation and Hazards in a Fish Community Affected by Coal Fly Ash Effluent

Authors: Besser J.M.¹; Giesy J.P.^{2, 3}; Brown R.W.³; Buell J.M.⁴; Dawson G.A.⁵

Source: Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Volume 35, Number 1, October 1996 , pp. 7-15(9)

Publisher: Academic Press

Abstract:

Bioaccumulation of selenium (Se) in the fish community of Pigeon River/Pigeon Lake, which receives inputs of Se from a coal fly ash disposal facility, was studied to assess potential hazards of Se to fish, wildlife, and humans. Se concentrations in fish from sites receiving seepage and effluents from fly ash disposal ponds were significantly greater than those in fish from upstream, where Se concentrations were near background concentrations. Se concentrations differed among fish species, and interspecific variation was greatest at the most contaminated locations. Differences in Se bioaccumulation among fish species were not consistently associated with differences in trophic status. Although Se concentrations in northern pike were consistently less than those in likely prey species, large yellow perch contained Se concentrations as great as those in spottail shiners, their likely prey. Se bioaccumulation may have been influenced by differences in habitat preferences, as limnetic species generally contained greater Se concentrations than benthic species. Se concentrations in fish from the lower Pigeon River and Pigeon Lake did not exceed lowest observable adverse effect concentrations (LOAECs) for Se in tissues of fish species, but exceeded LOAECs for dietary Se exposure of sensitive species of birds and mammals. Human consumption of moderate quantities of fish from the areas studied should not result in excessive Se intake.

Language: English

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: National Biological Service, Midwest Science Center, 4200 New Haven Road, Columbia, Missouri, 65201 2: Pesticide Research Center and Institute for Environmental Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, 48824 3: Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, 48824 4: Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, 48824 5: Environmental Department, Consumers Power Company, 1945 W. Parnall Road, Jackson, Michigan, 49201

Publication date: 1996-10-01

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• By this author: Besser J.M. ;  Giesy J.P. ;  Brown R.W. ;  Buell J.M. ;  Dawson G.A.

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