What are man-made chemicals doing to fish? MN scientists seek answers
Environment Dan Gunderson · St. Cloud, Minn. · MPR
A sunfish caught in Sullivan Lake on Monday. St. Cloud State University Professor Heiko Schoenfuss says sunfish are a sentinel species for chemical exposure, because they reproduce in shallow water near shore where chemical concentrations are higher. Dan Gunderson | MPR News Click to listen
Do household chemicals and prescription drugs leaching into Minnesota waters pose a serious risk to fish? Researchers are asking that question now, and they're digging into the role septic systems might play.
Scientists studying five central Minnesota lakes this summer are trying to better understand the ties between contaminants and fisheries. Steroids, hormones and pharmaceuticals are the main concern. A 2013 study found Minnesota lakes contaminated with those and other chemicals, including the insect repellent DEET and even cocaine.
In the lab, some chemicals affect fish reproduction and behavior, said Heiko Schoenfuss, the head of St. Cloud State University's Aquatic Toxicology Lab.
Professor Heiko Schoenfuss at St. Cloud State. Dan Gunderson | MPR News"We know the chemicals are out in the environment. We know they can have effects on fish in laboratory studies," said Schoenfuss, who's leading the summer research. "Putting the two together is where we're struggling."
Read the rest of the story at Minnesota Public Radio News (MPR) here.
A sunfish caught in Sullivan Lake on Monday. St. Cloud State University Professor Heiko Schoenfuss says sunfish are a sentinel species for chemical exposure, because they reproduce in shallow water near shore where chemical concentrations are higher. Dan Gunderson | MPR News Click to listen
Do household chemicals and prescription drugs leaching into Minnesota waters pose a serious risk to fish? Researchers are asking that question now, and they're digging into the role septic systems might play.
Scientists studying five central Minnesota lakes this summer are trying to better understand the ties between contaminants and fisheries. Steroids, hormones and pharmaceuticals are the main concern. A 2013 study found Minnesota lakes contaminated with those and other chemicals, including the insect repellent DEET and even cocaine.
In the lab, some chemicals affect fish reproduction and behavior, said Heiko Schoenfuss, the head of St. Cloud State University's Aquatic Toxicology Lab.
Professor Heiko Schoenfuss at St. Cloud State. Dan Gunderson | MPR News"We know the chemicals are out in the environment. We know they can have effects on fish in laboratory studies," said Schoenfuss, who's leading the summer research. "Putting the two together is where we're struggling."
Read the rest of the story at Minnesota Public Radio News (MPR) here.
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