Effects of Coal Leachates on Fish Gametogenesis

摘要

Coal leachates were examined for toxic effects on fish spermatogensis. Non-breeding mummichogs, Fundulus heteroclitus, were induced to undergo testicular recrudescence in the laboratory by 6 weeks exposure to 20C and a photoperiod of 16L:8D. Sperm production was assessed by counting condensed heads in hemacytometers after testes were homogenized for 3 min in 200 ml of 1% NaCl and 0.05% Triton X100. Analysis of variance and Duncan's multiple range test revealed a significant (P less than .001) reduction in sperm production by fish exposed to some, but not all coal leachates. Sperm production during the breeding season by six field populations of Fundulus, either adjacent to, or 2 miles upstream from coal-fired power plants were not significantly different from one another.