Water quality assessment, hormone profile and hematology of Ozark hellbenders (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis bishopi) in the North Fork of the White River and the Eleven Point River, Missouri

Author

Mauricio E. Solis

Abstract

"Ozark hellbenders were collected from the North Fork of the White River and the Eleven Point River in Missouri to evaluate their health and hormone status. Blood samples were analyzed for twenty five hematologic and serum chemistry parameters in 33 Ozark hellbenders and compared against the data collected from the Eastern hellbenders in the southeast United States. A high similarity of blood parameters was observed between both subspecies. Assuming that Eastern hellbenders are healthy according to the size distribution then the Ozark hellbenders could be considered healthy within the context of the parameters we measured. Hormone levels of estradiol, testosterone, progesterone and dihydrotestosterone were measured in 42 adult Ozark hellbenders from the North Fork of the White River and the Eleven Point River in Missouri between 2003 and 2004. The results showed that female estradiol levels increased during mid-July 2003 and mid-August 2004 during the beginning of gonadal changes. The progesterone levels in females were higher than female estradiol levels during this study. The dihydrotestosterone levels in male and female hellbenders were higher than testosterone levels between June and September. This is the first report of DHT levels in Ozark hellbenders. Water quality and nutrient levels were analyzed from the sites where the Ozark Hellbenders were collected. The results indicate that seven possible endocrine disrupting chemicals were present. The concentrations of these chemicals were below the Environmental Protection Agency criteria and below the Missouri Clean Water Commission criteria for aquatic life though species-specific sensitivity should be considered. The concentrations of nutrient s at both rivers are affected by storm and flood events"--Abstract, page iv.

Advisor(s)

Huang, Yue-Wern

Committee Member(s)

Niyogi, Dev
Nam, Paul Ki-souk

Department(s)

Biological Sciences

Degree Name

M.S. in Applied and Environmental Biology

Sponsor(s)

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Missouri. Department of Conservation
St. Louis Zoological Park
Missouri. Department of Natural Resources

Publisher

University of Missouri--Rolla

Publication Date

Summer 2005

Journal article titles appearing in thesis/dissertation

• Hematology and serum chemistry of Ozark and eastern hellbenders (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis)
• Fluctuations of reproductive hormones in the breeding season of Ozark hellbenders (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis bishopi)
• Chemical and nutrient assessment in the North Fork of the White River and the Eleven Point River, Missouri and possible impact on Ozark hellbenders (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis)

Pagination

xi, 100 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes bibliographical references.

Geographic Coverage

White River (Ark. and Mo.)
Eleven Point Wild and Scenic River (Mo.)

Rights

© 2005 Mauricio Eduardo Solis, All rights reserved.

Document Type

Thesis - Restricted Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Subject Headings

Amphibians -- Effect of water quality on -- MissouriGiant salamandersHematology

Thesis Number

T 8811

Print OCLC #

63179734

Electronic OCLC #

906048024

Recommended Citation

Solis, Mauricio E., "Water quality assessment, hormone profile and hematology of Ozark hellbenders (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis bishopi) in the North Fork of the White River and the Eleven Point River, Missouri" (2005). Masters Theses. 3748.
https://scholarsmine.mst.edu/masters_theses/3748