The Effects of Contaminants on Sperm Quality and Intersex Condition of Smallmouth Bass in the Potomac River
Intersex is a gonadal abnormality in which both testicular and ovarian tissues are present in an organism known to be gonochoristic. This condition has been observed in several locations, one of which is the Potomac River. There are several chemical contaminants with endocrine disrupting properties that have been suggested as possible contributors to intersex. The purpose of this study is to analyze what contaminants are present, and to determine if these have any effect on sperm quality or intersex severity in smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) in the Potomac. Samples were collected...
