Project Summary (1995-2000)

This project seeks to evaluate the endocrine-disrupting effects of chlorinated hydrocarbon contamination on wildlife species within a central Florida lake, Apopka, associated with an EPA Superfund site. Field and laboratory studies are examining alligators and fish for endocrine-disruption and alterations of sexual development for the identification of biomarkers for contaminant exposure. Overall, this project contributes to the assessment of the environmental impact of chlorinated hydrocarbons on reproductive, endocrine and developmental systems of wildlife by identifying indicators of contaminant-induced biotransformations. Specific aims of the project are to survey and identify potential xenobiotic contaminants in central Florida's Lake Apopka relative to cleaner control lakes in the same region, to study the direct and multigenerational effects of xenobiotics on reproductive and endocrine functions of alligators and fish (including eggs and embryos) in captivity, and to identify and characterize specific bioindicators and biomarkers for the development of in vitro test systems and diagnostic procedures.