This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. The occurrence specific macroinvertebrates in the Sheyenne and Wild Rice rivers will be correlated with Atrazine levels. An HPLC protocol is being developed for the quantitation of Atrazine and its metabolites to parts per billion (ppb). Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) kits have recently been approved by the EPA?s Environmental Technology Verification (ETV) program for use in detecting Atrazine in the ppb level. We intend to use the kits as a screen, follwed by precise determination via HPLC. Our second specific aim is to identify the macroinvertebrates in the two river systems and correlate their occurrence with Atrazine levels. We carried out macroinvertebrate sampling on six sites on the Wild Rice in late August, collecting approximately 300 individuals from the commonly occuring family Chironomidae, (midges). All individuals were identified to at least the genus level using light microscopy. Based on previous studies on the Sheyenne River we have tentatively identified several taxa for future mesocosm experiments. These include the Chironomids Polypedilum, Cryptochironomus, Chironomus, and Procladius; the mayflies Hexagenia limbata and Caenis; the caddisfly Hydropsyche; the beetle Dubiraphia; and the amphipod Hyallela azteca. We have obtained GIS mapping of Atrazine usage in the Sheyenne River basin over the last several years and are waiting for maps of its usage in the Wild Rice basin. This year we will carry out a rigorous sampling regime for Atrazine in our two river basins. In addition we will continue to sample and monitor the macroinvertbrate fauna in those rivers and try and identify correlations with Atrazine levels. A major undertaking in the second year will be the purchase and set up of the first set of mescosms, or artificial streams. We hope to begin preliminary studies for our third specific aim, to examine any possible endocrine effects on macroinvertebrates raised in the mesocosms.
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