Increased sensitivity to oxidative stress in a creosote-adapted population of mummichog (Fundulus heteroclitus)

With increasing frequency, aquatic organisms inhabit regions where biochemical adaptations to contaminants are essential for survival. The resultant selection for individuals better adapted to a polluted environment may result in a population better able to survive certain stressors, but less fit in terms of other stressors. Research with F1 offspring of the mummichog Fundulus heteroclitus collected from a highly creosote-contaminated site on the Elizabeth River has explored the nature of the resistance demonstrated by this population, as well as some of the costs associated with it. F1 larvae and juveniles from the Elizabeth River were more able to survive exposure to contaminated sediments from the Elizabeth River, either in the presence or absence of UV light, than were F1 offspring of control site (York River) Fundulus. On the other hand, the Elizabeth River F1 population was more susceptible to phototoxicity as mediated by pure anthracene or fluoranthene, indicating a possible cost of adaptation. Furthermore, preliminary studies suggest that Elizabeth River Fundulus are more sensitive to another source of oxidative stress, H2O2. Ongoing studies are exploring the biochemical and genetic bases of these differences. Copyright (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd.

Duke Scholars

Author Joel Meyer Environmental Natural Science

Author Richard T. Di Giulio Environmental Natural Science