Jenny Paul is an ORISE Postdoctoral Fellow with the Environmental Protection Agency’s Gulf Ecosystem Measurement and Modeling Division in Gulf Breeze, FL and EPA’s Gulf of Mexico Division in Gulfport, MS. She received her PhD in Zoology from the Center for Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences from Southern Illinois University. As an ecotoxicologist, her work is focused on understanding how environmental stressors and pollution affect aquatic ecosystems. She was awarded National Science Foundation’s International Research Experience for Students (IRES) and Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship (IGERT) fellowships to pursue research in some of the most pristine and polluted systems on the planet, from mountain streams in Patagonia to large rivers of central Europe. Her specialty is benthic ecology, animals that live on the bottom of a water body, which are used as bioindicators of habitat health. At the EPA Jenny is developing rapid assessment tools using marine invertebrates to better assist natural resource managers and monitoring programs in the northern Gulf of Mexico. These include techniques like sediment profile imaging (SPI) which takes pictures that are later scored for animal activity, and approaches using environmental DNA to evaluate the benthic community. Additionally, she serves as a technical advisor to the Pensacola and Perdido Bays Estuary program including science advisor to the Oyster Committee and support for monitoring and environmental assessments. She is also an instructor for a liveaboard marine biology techniques course taught semester breaks through Southern Mississippi University and EPA’s GMD. Supervisors: Janet Nestlerode
Need for a scalable and widely applicable index has been increasingly important. This study evalu... more Need for a scalable and widely applicable index has been increasingly important. This study evaluates the applicability of the M-AMBI, a potential comprehensive index, at small spatial scales. M-AMBI was compared to regional indices (EMAP-E and GOM B-IBI), assessing response to natural environmental gradients and low oxygen stress. Results indicate poor agreement between indices with M-AMBI and GOM B-IBI showing positive correlation but significant disagreement in habitat condition. EMAP-E had no agreement. Indices showed similar patterns of better habitat scores in higher salinities. M-AMBI also showed a negative relationship with sediment organic matter and total nitrogen. DO influenced all indices with M-AMBI the most sensitive. However, mismatches between DO and index score were observed further calibration may be needed before adoption into programs. Overall, the M-AMBI demonstrates potential at smaller, local scales, but additional studies are needed to validate its performance in different coastal environments and under different conditions.
Unprovoked mouth gaping behavior is ubiquitous throughout 24 extant members of Crocodylia, yet in... more Unprovoked mouth gaping behavior is ubiquitous throughout 24 extant members of Crocodylia, yet information on gaping is limited. Proposed hypotheses for gaping include thermoregulation and the evaluation of potential environmental conditions. To determine temperature effects, we tracked head surface (T sh), body surface (T sb), and ambient (T a) temperatures with insolation utilization and positions. To evaluate potential environmental stimuli, we tested behavioral effects (i.e., open-eye frequency) and recorded conspecific presence, day and night events, and interaction with flies and fish. We included 24 extant species representatives, with detailed assessments of American Alligators (Alligator mississippiensis), Crocodylus siamensis, Crocodylus intermedius, Crocodylus rhombifer, and Crocodylus halli. Observations occurred during a range of T a (3.89-32.228C) with mean T sh consistently higher than both T sb and T a across all crocodilians. Differences in T sh and T a were most pronounced with head in the sun. However, no significant differences in T sh and T sb were detected for A. mississippiensis and Cr. siamensis. Conversely, Cr. halli, Cr. intermedius, and Cr. rhombifer demonstrated statistically higher T sh. Gaping with open eyes was more common, yet modeling suggested a relationship with closed eyes and temperature. Anecdotal observations indicated weather changes may elicit mouth gaping, and we report the second nocturnal mouth gaping observation (the first for three species). Overall, mixed results indicated unprovoked mouth gaping is a complex behavior, making it difficult to draw clear cause and effect relationships. Future research may benefit from a focus on natural history and quantitative behavioral studies.
Anthropogenic activities have led to the enrichment of cadmium in freshwater systems where it is ... more Anthropogenic activities have led to the enrichment of cadmium in freshwater systems where it is a contaminant of concern for fisheries and aquaculture as it has no known biological function and is toxic at trace concentrations. Yet, knowledge gaps remain regarding effects of chronic exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations on freshwater fish. Thus, the objectives of the current study were to assess chronic impacts of cadmium on channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) including how tissue-specific bioaccumulation patterns relate to functions of those tissues over time. We focused on liver and kidneys, and expression of genes related to cellular stress, glucose metabolism, and steroidogenesis. Catfish were exposed to concentrations of 0.5 (control), 2 (low), and 6 (high) μg L − 1 Cd from fertilization to six months. Cadmium exposure negatively impacted channel catfish growth and was linked to bioaccumulation of tissue Cd, which followed a dose-related response, where concentrations in trunk kidney > liver = head kidney >> muscle. Differences in tissue Ca, Cu, Fe, and Zn concentrations were also observed between treatments. Following 3 months of exposure, expression of metallothionein (MT) and heat shock proteins (HSP) 70 & 90 increased relative to controls; however, no differences were detected at 6 months, suggesting compensation. Conversely, there were no differences in expression patterns for key genes in ste-roidogenesis, steroidogenic factor 1 (SF1), steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), and cytochrome P450scc (P450), which supports the observation that Cd did not affect the secondary stress response, evaluated via plasma cortisol and glucose concentrations following a low water stress event. As a function of length and weight, the high Cd treatment yielded fish that were significantly smaller than controls. In addition to the cellular responses in MT and HSPs noted, reduced growth in the high Cd treatment was likely due, at least in part, to elevated energetic demands. This is supported by observations of the upregulation of genes necessary for glucose metabolism. Hexokinase (HK), glucose-6-phosphatase (G6P), and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehy-drogenase (GAPDH) were significantly elevated in the high treatment relative to controls at 3 months of exposure. Over the study period, exposure also reduced survival of channel catfish from 3 to 6 months. Reduced fitness, as a consequence of cadmium exposure, could be visible at the population level through altered life histories and growth patterns.
This study identifies risk perception and actual health risks from exposure to metals in fish fro... more This study identifies risk perception and actual health risks from exposure to metals in fish from the Tisza River Basin of central Europe. Mining in the region has chronically introduced metals; however, two major mine-tailings spill in 2000 contributed an estimated 240,000 m 3 of wastewater and tailings contaminated with cyanide and metals to the system. In 2013 and 2014, water and fish (N = 99) collected from the lower Tisza River Basin were analyzed for cadmium, copper, lead, nickel, and zinc. Concurrently, surveys (N = 45) collected near sampling sites assessed fish-consumption patterns and risk perception. Metals in water exceeded regulatory criteria at multiple sites; however, metals are not bioaccumulating to a degree of undue concern in fish as bioaccumulation factors were below 1. Average concentrations of metals in fish fillets (lg g-1 wet weight) in decreasing order were zinc (8.8) [ copper (0.14) [ nickel (0.06) [ lead (0.02) [ cadmium (0.004). Fillets were within European Food Safety Authority recommendations; however, the Target Hazard Quotient for lead was elevated at 1.5 for average consumers and 3.5 for people who consume fish twice weekly. The majority of survey participants were unconcerned with local fish consumption (87 %), citing the ''clean'' appearance of fishing locations. Participants also reported relatively low fish consumption, with most (76 %) eating basin fish once a week or less. While our study indicates fish are generally safe for human consumption, waters are polluted, suggesting that local fishing populations may be at risk from unseen pollutants and highlighting the need for monitoring and notification systems.
Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology, Part C, 2019
Cadmium is a persistent contaminant of surface waters. The effects of cadmium on early life stage... more Cadmium is a persistent contaminant of surface waters. The effects of cadmium on early life stages of fish are not well understood, although they are often disproportionately affected by contaminants. The objectives of this study were to examine effects of chronic exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations on growth, development , cellular stress, and glucose metabolism of channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus. Eggs were wet-fertilized in treatment water at concentrations of 0.4 (control), 2.2 (low), or 8.5 (high) μg L −1 and monitored through swim-up, black fry stage. Eggs and fry accumulated cadmium dose-dependently. Fertilization rates were unaffected , yet hatch rate was significantly reduced in the high treatment. Survival to black fry and overall size and condition factor were not affected; however, differences in yolk sac size, and presumably energetics of yolk fry, was detected. Physiological pathways were also affected, demonstrated by altered gene expression, most notably in genes related to carbohydrate metabolism. Elevated expression of HK and G6PD, rather than G6P and GADPH, suggests glucose may be shunted towards the pentose-phosphate pathway. Overall, observations indicate cad-mium negatively affects development in early life stages of channel catfish, which could lead to shifts in population structure and life history patterns in exposed populations of wild fish.
Need for a scalable and widely applicable index has been increasingly important. This study evalu... more Need for a scalable and widely applicable index has been increasingly important. This study evaluates the applicability of the M-AMBI, a potential comprehensive index, at small spatial scales. M-AMBI was compared to regional indices (EMAP-E and GOM B-IBI), assessing response to natural environmental gradients and low oxygen stress. Results indicate poor agreement between indices with M-AMBI and GOM B-IBI showing positive correlation but significant disagreement in habitat condition. EMAP-E had no agreement. Indices showed similar patterns of better habitat scores in higher salinities. M-AMBI also showed a negative relationship with sediment organic matter and total nitrogen. DO influenced all indices with M-AMBI the most sensitive. However, mismatches between DO and index score were observed further calibration may be needed before adoption into programs. Overall, the M-AMBI demonstrates potential at smaller, local scales, but additional studies are needed to validate its performance in different coastal environments and under different conditions.
Unprovoked mouth gaping behavior is ubiquitous throughout 24 extant members of Crocodylia, yet in... more Unprovoked mouth gaping behavior is ubiquitous throughout 24 extant members of Crocodylia, yet information on gaping is limited. Proposed hypotheses for gaping include thermoregulation and the evaluation of potential environmental conditions. To determine temperature effects, we tracked head surface (T sh), body surface (T sb), and ambient (T a) temperatures with insolation utilization and positions. To evaluate potential environmental stimuli, we tested behavioral effects (i.e., open-eye frequency) and recorded conspecific presence, day and night events, and interaction with flies and fish. We included 24 extant species representatives, with detailed assessments of American Alligators (Alligator mississippiensis), Crocodylus siamensis, Crocodylus intermedius, Crocodylus rhombifer, and Crocodylus halli. Observations occurred during a range of T a (3.89-32.228C) with mean T sh consistently higher than both T sb and T a across all crocodilians. Differences in T sh and T a were most pronounced with head in the sun. However, no significant differences in T sh and T sb were detected for A. mississippiensis and Cr. siamensis. Conversely, Cr. halli, Cr. intermedius, and Cr. rhombifer demonstrated statistically higher T sh. Gaping with open eyes was more common, yet modeling suggested a relationship with closed eyes and temperature. Anecdotal observations indicated weather changes may elicit mouth gaping, and we report the second nocturnal mouth gaping observation (the first for three species). Overall, mixed results indicated unprovoked mouth gaping is a complex behavior, making it difficult to draw clear cause and effect relationships. Future research may benefit from a focus on natural history and quantitative behavioral studies.
Anthropogenic activities have led to the enrichment of cadmium in freshwater systems where it is ... more Anthropogenic activities have led to the enrichment of cadmium in freshwater systems where it is a contaminant of concern for fisheries and aquaculture as it has no known biological function and is toxic at trace concentrations. Yet, knowledge gaps remain regarding effects of chronic exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations on freshwater fish. Thus, the objectives of the current study were to assess chronic impacts of cadmium on channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) including how tissue-specific bioaccumulation patterns relate to functions of those tissues over time. We focused on liver and kidneys, and expression of genes related to cellular stress, glucose metabolism, and steroidogenesis. Catfish were exposed to concentrations of 0.5 (control), 2 (low), and 6 (high) μg L − 1 Cd from fertilization to six months. Cadmium exposure negatively impacted channel catfish growth and was linked to bioaccumulation of tissue Cd, which followed a dose-related response, where concentrations in trunk kidney > liver = head kidney >> muscle. Differences in tissue Ca, Cu, Fe, and Zn concentrations were also observed between treatments. Following 3 months of exposure, expression of metallothionein (MT) and heat shock proteins (HSP) 70 & 90 increased relative to controls; however, no differences were detected at 6 months, suggesting compensation. Conversely, there were no differences in expression patterns for key genes in ste-roidogenesis, steroidogenic factor 1 (SF1), steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), and cytochrome P450scc (P450), which supports the observation that Cd did not affect the secondary stress response, evaluated via plasma cortisol and glucose concentrations following a low water stress event. As a function of length and weight, the high Cd treatment yielded fish that were significantly smaller than controls. In addition to the cellular responses in MT and HSPs noted, reduced growth in the high Cd treatment was likely due, at least in part, to elevated energetic demands. This is supported by observations of the upregulation of genes necessary for glucose metabolism. Hexokinase (HK), glucose-6-phosphatase (G6P), and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehy-drogenase (GAPDH) were significantly elevated in the high treatment relative to controls at 3 months of exposure. Over the study period, exposure also reduced survival of channel catfish from 3 to 6 months. Reduced fitness, as a consequence of cadmium exposure, could be visible at the population level through altered life histories and growth patterns.
This study identifies risk perception and actual health risks from exposure to metals in fish fro... more This study identifies risk perception and actual health risks from exposure to metals in fish from the Tisza River Basin of central Europe. Mining in the region has chronically introduced metals; however, two major mine-tailings spill in 2000 contributed an estimated 240,000 m 3 of wastewater and tailings contaminated with cyanide and metals to the system. In 2013 and 2014, water and fish (N = 99) collected from the lower Tisza River Basin were analyzed for cadmium, copper, lead, nickel, and zinc. Concurrently, surveys (N = 45) collected near sampling sites assessed fish-consumption patterns and risk perception. Metals in water exceeded regulatory criteria at multiple sites; however, metals are not bioaccumulating to a degree of undue concern in fish as bioaccumulation factors were below 1. Average concentrations of metals in fish fillets (lg g-1 wet weight) in decreasing order were zinc (8.8) [ copper (0.14) [ nickel (0.06) [ lead (0.02) [ cadmium (0.004). Fillets were within European Food Safety Authority recommendations; however, the Target Hazard Quotient for lead was elevated at 1.5 for average consumers and 3.5 for people who consume fish twice weekly. The majority of survey participants were unconcerned with local fish consumption (87 %), citing the ''clean'' appearance of fishing locations. Participants also reported relatively low fish consumption, with most (76 %) eating basin fish once a week or less. While our study indicates fish are generally safe for human consumption, waters are polluted, suggesting that local fishing populations may be at risk from unseen pollutants and highlighting the need for monitoring and notification systems.
Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology, Part C, 2019
Cadmium is a persistent contaminant of surface waters. The effects of cadmium on early life stage... more Cadmium is a persistent contaminant of surface waters. The effects of cadmium on early life stages of fish are not well understood, although they are often disproportionately affected by contaminants. The objectives of this study were to examine effects of chronic exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations on growth, development , cellular stress, and glucose metabolism of channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus. Eggs were wet-fertilized in treatment water at concentrations of 0.4 (control), 2.2 (low), or 8.5 (high) μg L −1 and monitored through swim-up, black fry stage. Eggs and fry accumulated cadmium dose-dependently. Fertilization rates were unaffected , yet hatch rate was significantly reduced in the high treatment. Survival to black fry and overall size and condition factor were not affected; however, differences in yolk sac size, and presumably energetics of yolk fry, was detected. Physiological pathways were also affected, demonstrated by altered gene expression, most notably in genes related to carbohydrate metabolism. Elevated expression of HK and G6PD, rather than G6P and GADPH, suggests glucose may be shunted towards the pentose-phosphate pathway. Overall, observations indicate cad-mium negatively affects development in early life stages of channel catfish, which could lead to shifts in population structure and life history patterns in exposed populations of wild fish.
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