Mentor
Thornton, Benjamin
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
Winter 4-30-2021
Abstract
Abstract
In 2014, several thousand gallons of coal-processing chemicals, which included 4-methyl-1- cyclohexanemethanol (MCHM), spilled into the Elk River in West Virginia. The location of this spill in West Virginia’s chemical valley is historically significant in defining the exploitations of people residing in this area. The concentration of crude MCHM in the river was approximated at 0.15 µg/L. Although some initial studies did consider the effects of MCHM exposure on humans, little attention has been given to aquatic wildlife. In this project, I will expose fathead minnows, Pimephales promelas, an environmentally relevant species, to concentrations of MCHM between zero and fifty ppm for 72 hours. General Esterase and Glutathione-S-Transferase enzyme activities will be measured using whole body protein extracts, and compared to the control groups. I expect to see a significant increase in the activity of both systems. Increased activity could indicate that the fish have exhibited a detoxification response, which has potential implications for the endogenous functions of these enzyme systems.
Recommended Citation
De Wind, Emily, "Effects of Environmentally Relevant Concentrations of 4-methyl-1- cyclohexanemethanol (MCHM) on General Esterase and Glutathione-S-Transferase Activity in Fathead Minnows (Pimephales promela)" (2021). Research in Biology. 15.
https://knowledge.e.southern.edu/research_bio/15
Included in
Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Structural Biology Commons, Biology Commons, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Commons, Pharmacology, Toxicology and Environmental Health Commons
Comments
This project was an interdisciplinary coordination with the History department to determine the historical context surrounding chemical contamination in West Virginia. This was completed as a Southern Scholars requirement.