Verified Document

Reproductive Health Of Bass In The Potomac USA Drainage Essay

Logic Assessing Research on Bass in the Potomac River

What problem were the researchers investigating?

The research was undertaken to assess whether the location of fish, specifically smallmouth bass and largemouth bass, downstream from wastewater treatment plants, is influencing the biological development of the fish with reference to the presence of cells associated with female reproductive systems developing on the testis of male fish.

Give the background of the problem

In 2003 a study was undertaken which identified that between 33% and 80% of the smallmouth bass in the South Branch of the Potomac river had some developmental abnormalities, with the presence of oocytes on the male fish testis. Oocytes are he cells which will develop into ovum for reproduction in females, and are usually absent in males. With the testicular oocytes observed on fish collected across different areas of the South Branch of the river it would appear that there was a causal factor impacting on the biological development of the fish. The results do not appear to have been flawed, as a subsequent study looking only at the Shenandoah Rover found even higher rates of this biological abnormality.

This abnormality is not totally unknown, it has been recorded before, but it is an unusual characteristic. The appearance of testicular oocytes is some types of fish are usually associated with exposure to certain types of chemicals which can interfere with the release of hormones into the bloodstream. The appearance of oocytes on the testis of fish is usually accepted as a biological market of certain types of chemical being present in the water. While the link between chemical exposure and the testicular abnormality has been established, there has not been any proof that the chemical which can cause this are in the Potomac.

It was also known that there was a waste water treatment plant on the Potomac, in other areas these are known to be one of several potential sources of the chemical which interfere with the hormones of the fish, but it is not a source that...

Describe the researchers observations of the fish and their environment.
All of the fish collected were observed as being sexually mature, meaning that any sexual development expected had taken place. 51 fish were collected from 5 different sites, two sets where collected upstream and downstream of waste water treatment plants and the fifth from a non-associated site. The fish were assessed in terms of their sexual development; it was found that the fish at all test sites displayed characteristics associated with chemicals that interfered with sexual development; however the scale of the impact varied. Details are given in the study if the different measures that were undertaken, including the blood samples, with a complete breakdown of the results.

4. What methods did the researchers use to pursue their investigation?

The methodology was to take fish from five sites, two sets of site upstream and downstream of two waste water treatment plants on Conococheague Creek and Monocacy River, and a third site where not waste water treatment plant was situated. The aim was to collect 30 fish at each site, with the aim of ensuring there 10 ten of each gender from each site. The fish collected at the downstream sites were within 1 km of the waste water treatment plants, and the distance between the downstream and the upstream collection points was at least 15 km. The fish were caught in 2005 between September 5th and 14th. Once caught the fish were killed with a fatal dose of tricaine methane sulfonate. The fish were weighed and measured onsite with bloods drawn and transferred to secure containers for transportation and examination. The methodology involved assessing the fish and then undertaking a comparison analysis.

5. Was the study reliable? Do you have any criticisms about the research, if so, what are they?

The study has a number of characteristics which indicate that it is reliable. The methodology which is used is designed in a logical manner; it involves the assessment of male and female…

Cite this Document:
Copy Bibliography Citation

Related Documents

Reproductive System
Words: 1757 Length: 6 Document Type: Essay

Essay Topic Examples 1. The Evolution of Human Reproductive Systems and its Impact on Society Explore the biological evolution of human reproductive systems from ancient ancestors to modern humans. Discuss how changes in reproductive anatomy and physiology have influenced societal structures, family planning, and gender roles over time. Analyze the implications of these evolutionary changes on current debates around reproductive health and rights. 2. Comparative Anatomy of Mammalian Reproductive Systems Compare and contrast the

Disorders of the Reproductive System
Words: 620 Length: 2 Document Type: Research Paper

There are some factors which have an impact on the diagnosis and treatment of the reproductive disorders.one of these factors is genetics. This is because some of the problems of infertility can be attributed to genes. For instance if a family member is infertile then it might mean that this infertility is genetic. Therefore the knowledge of a patient's family background can be very useful when it comes to

Female Reproductive System Uterus/Ovaries Functions
Words: 2523 Length: 7 Document Type: Term Paper

These follicles gradually grow with the resultant release of oestrogen into the blood stream. At around the 10th day one of the follicles becomes distinctly larger than the others. This large follicle is known as the dominant follicle. The other follicle stop growing and become atretic and eventually die out. Oestrogen realeased by the follicle acts on the uterine endometrium making it to proliferate. This signifies the start of

Tissue Maturation: Body System Effects
Words: 1400 Length: 4 Document Type: Essay

E. hypertrophy). In the elderly, this process is reverse. Hence, the functional reserve capacities of the skeletal muscles decline with age, largely due to diminished levels of physical activity. As a result daily tasks once taken for granted become progressively more difficult, and eventually impossible, to perform. In illustration, a great deal of muscle force is required to simply stand up or to climb stairs. Therefore, skeletal system is relying

Endocrine System in the Human
Words: 327 Length: 1 Document Type: Term Paper

Hormone (or endocrine) disruptors interfere with the normal functioning of the endocrine system. They can: mimic a natural hormone and thus fool the body into responding a certain way, interfere with the reception of hormones by hormone receptors, directly alter a hormone and impede its function, cause the body to overproduce or under produce natural hormones, or decrease or increase the number of hormone receptors. These effects are especially

Main Systems of Human Body
Words: 3828 Length: 12 Document Type: Essay

The circulatory or cardiovascular system is responsible for moving nutrients, wastes and gases between body cells, transporting blood across the whole body and battling disease (Circulatory System). Its principal elements are the heart, numerous blood vessels, and blood. The heart forms the circulatory system's core. This 2-sided, 4-chambered pump which distributes blood to various arteries comprises of the right and left ventricles, and right and left atria. The ventricles, situated within

Sign Up for Unlimited Study Help

Our semester plans gives you unlimited, unrestricted access to our entire library of resources —writing tools, guides, example essays, tutorials, class notes, and more.

Get Started Now