Evaluation of the Efficacy of the Stress Protein Response as a Biochemical WaterQuality Biomonitoring Method

摘要

The objective of this research, as stated in the proposal, was to evaluate thephenotypic expression of the stress proteins as indicators of biotic stress with potential for adapting the response as a rapid, water quality biomonitoring method. To accomplish this goal, we characterized the induction of the stress proteins in fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) exposed to a variety of stressors, such as heat, arsenite, chromate, lindane, and diazinon. Stress protein responses were correlated to conventional toxicity endpoints, such as effects on survival. In addition, the stress response was assessed for its environmental relevance via in situ caged fish studies. Through the described research we found that the stress protein response has potential value as a biomonitoring method. Specifically, it is a rapid and sensitive response.