Project Summary (2000-2005)

Project investigators are using the medaka, a small teleost fish, as a model aquatic organism for detecting reproductive and developmental effects from exposure to mixtures of contaminants found at hazardous waste sites. Coordinated morphological and biochemical studies are determining which features of proteins are necessary for gonadal maturation. Developmental toxicity and reproductive effects of specific components of complex mixtures are then being determined using molecular imaging, specific alterations in embryos, larvae, juveniles, and sexually mature medaka are being identified and used as biomarkers of exposure and effect.