The Hidden Hitchhiker

VanMiddlesworth, Madeleine

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/89935 Copy

Description

Title

The Hidden Hitchhiker

Author(s)

VanMiddlesworth, Madeleine

Issue Date

2016-04

Keyword(s)

Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences

Abstract

I have been exploring the reproductive health of Illinois River fishes. The river begins below Chicago where it connects to the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal and flows into the Mississippi. Based on long-term data, it appears that some sportfish may be facing population declines, particularly in the upper part of the river. This may or may not be coincidental of the fact that there could be higher pollution loads the closer one gets to the urbanization. Although there are wastewater treatment facilities in place, many detrimental chemicals pass into our rivers and affect fish that are particularly susceptible due to their intake of water through the gills. My research focuses on chemicals that wreak havoc on the reproduction of fishes by acting as synthetic hormones or toxic compounds, eventually taxing their bodies enough to decrease their overall health. I examined this slide of male fish reproductive organs in order to observe potential hermaphroditism induced by said chemicals, when I discovered parasitic infections. This could indicate that the defenses in fish are being compromised by poor water quality and such infections in fish could become decreased reproductive health in our fish populations.

Type of Resource

• text
• image

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http://hdl.handle.net/2142/89935

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2016 Madeleine VanMiddlesworth

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