Interactive effects of pulp and paper effluent and low dissolved oxygen on fish reproduction.

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Many pulp mill effluents (PMEs) alter reproduction in fish including spawning delays, reduced egg production and gonad sizes. Research efforts have attempted to identify the source of the effects so that technological solutions can be developed. To date, the source of these effects has not been identified. For some mills, it is difficult to determine if the source of the effects is endocrine disrupting chemicals present in the effluent or if effects are due to modifying factors such as low dissolved oxygen (DO), or a combination of factors. Our objectives are to: 1) evaluate the effects of a PME on reproductive indicators in fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas), a model test species; and 2) assess the cumulative relationship between low DO and PME on reproductive success. This research will be conducted using effluent from a bleached kraft pulp mill in Dryden, Ontario that discharges into the Wabigoon River. The Wabigoon River receives multiple point source discharges and has a history of low water column DO as well as a history of reproductive effects in wild fish. This research will benefit: a) Canadian industry by improving our understanding of the cumulative effects of a known endocrine disrupting substance (PME) in the presence of low DO, an increasingly important global indicator of environmental change; b) Weyerhaeuser Dryden by assessing their effluent's contribution to effects on fish reproduction to assist with management strategies; c) Canadian regulatory agencies through development of new assessment technologies for complex mixtures and multi-stressor interactions as well as for guideline development; and d) students who will have the opportunity to work with and establish relationships with academic, industry, private sector, and government partners.