Physiological and Cellular Responses of Animals to Environmental Stress - Case Studies

Abstract

This review is concerned with the sensitive and sublethal responses shown at the individual and cellular levels by animals exposed in the field, either naturally or by transplanting, to various levels of environmental contamination. The relationships between contaminant concentrations in the tissues and the biological responses are given particular emphasis.

Results from eight reported case-studies have been reviewed. Sites range from open coastal waters, bays and estuaries with contaminants arising from the petroleum industry, waste disposal operations and more general anthropogenic inputs. Responses measured are physiological; (Scope for Growth) and biochemical (stability of lysosomal membranes, presence of metal-protein compounds and activity of blood-cell NADPH - neotetrazolium reductase).

On the evidence of the field studies there appears to be a good relationship between the biological responses and tissue concentrations of contaminants, particularly the aromatic hydrocarbons. There is little direct field evidence of the toxic effects of metals related to the tissue concentrations but present chemical analysis of tissues may not be appropriate for the detection of such a relationship. Recommendations are made as to the future deployment of field and laboratory tests in order that impact on the environment can be assessed on a common scale of values.