Why the Stall? Using metabolomics to define the lack of upstream movement of invasive bigheaded carp in the Illinois River

Bigheaded Carp have spread throughout the Mississippi River basin since the 1970s. Little has stopped the spread as carp have the ability to pass through locks and dams, and they are currently approaching the Great Lakes. However, the location of the leading edge in the Illinois River has stalled for over a decade, even though there is no barrier preventing further advancement towards the Great Lakes. Defining why carp are not moving towards the Great Lakes is important for predicting why they might advance in the future. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that anthropogenic contaminants in the Illinois River may be playing a role in preventing further upstream movement of Bigheaded Carp. Ninety three livers were collected from carp at several locations between May and October of 2018. Liver samples were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in a targeted metabolite profiling approach. Livers from carp at the leading edge had differences in energy use and metabolism, and suppression of protective mechanisms relative to downstream fish; differences were consistent across time. This body of work provides evidence that water quality is linked to carp movement in the Illinois River. As water quality in this region continues to improve, consideration of this impact on carp spread is essential to protect the Great Lakes.

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Modeling the water quality impacts of the separation of the Great Lakes and Mississippi River basins for invasive species control

Journal of Great Lakes Research ◽

10.1016/j.jglr.2014.11.009 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 41 (1) ◽

pp. 87-98 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Charles S. Melching ◽

Jin Liang ◽

Lauren Fleer ◽

David Wethington

Keyword(s):

Water Quality ◽

Invasive Species ◽

Great Lakes ◽

Mississippi River ◽

River Basins ◽

Invasive Species Control

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Organic and Inorganic Contaminants in the St. Lawrence River: Some Preliminary Results on Their Distribution

Water Quality Research Journal ◽

10.2166/wqrj.1986.050 ◽

1986 ◽

Vol 21 (4) ◽

pp. 592-603 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Ken R. Lum ◽

Klaus L.E. Kaiser

Keyword(s):

Water Quality ◽

Great Lakes ◽

Toxic Effect ◽

Mississippi River ◽

Aquatic Organisms ◽

Inorganic Contaminants ◽

Volatile Hydrocarbons ◽

Quality Guidelines ◽

Intensive Sampling ◽

St Lawrence River

Abstract Volatile hydrocarbons (VHC’s) have been measured at many locations in the St. Lawrence River, Several concentrations of VHC’s were higher than those measured at other polluted Great Lakes sites, e.g. the St. Clair River. Tributaries to the St. Lawrence River were found to be significant sources of VHC’s. Cadmium in the St. Lawrence River is mostly found in dissolved (bioavailable) forms as compared to the Mississippi River where dissolved cadmium accounts for about 10% of the total cadmium. The major sources of cadmium appear to be in the Montreal area. Although the analytical results show local impairment in water quality, intensive sampling is required to pinpoint sources and/or quantify loadings, However, none of the VHC or cadmium concentrations exceed water quality guidelines or objectives. In fact there are no guidelines for most VHC’s. Nevertheless, the concentrations of VHC’s and cadmium found should have no toxic effect on aquatic organisms. The results of this study indicate that there are major sources of VHC’s and cadmium in Quebec. For example, inputs on the southwestern portion of Lac St.Louis may be a major source of perchloroethylene, and effluents in the vicinity of the Montreal STP may be a major source of cadmium. U.S. tributaries, e.g. the Grassy River, may also be a significant source of VHC’s.

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