Long and Medium Term Research: Characterization of Metabolism and Excretion Patterns of Pulpmill Effluent Components by Fish. This award recommendation is made under the Program for Long and Medium-Term Research at Foreign Centers of Excellence. The program is designed to enable young U.S. scientists and engineers to conduct long-term research abroad at research institutions of proven excellence. Awards provide opportunities for the conduct of joint research and the utilization of unique or complementary facilities, expertise and experimental conditions in foreign countries. The award will support a 12 month research visit by Dr. Marsha Black, University of Tennessee, with Dr. Aimo Oikari of the University of Joensuu, Finland. The researchers will use a tiered approach using both laboratory and field exposures to study the elimination of two pulpmill effluent components (dehydroabietic acid and 3,4,5- trichloroguiacol) and benzo?a!pyrene by fish via the gills, skin, kidney, and hepatobiliary system. Compound excretion patterns and rates of metabolite formation by trout will be quantified using an experimental chamber. Excretion of the model compounds will be characterized with and without preexposure to dilute pulpmill effluent or -napthoflavone, a potent inducer of the monooxygenase enzyme system. Following these laboratory experiments under controlled conditions, whitefish will be caged in a lake receiving pulpmill effluents at locations 3-15 km from the effluent discharge area. Fish removed at specified intervals over the 6 month exposure period will be analyzed for metabolizing enzyme activities and metabolites of dehydroabietic acid and 3,4,5-trichloroguiacol. Results from laboratory and field studies will be used to evaluate the role of xenobiotic excretion in the adaptation of fish to chronic low-level pollution. The award recommendation provides funds to cover, as appropriate, international travel, local travel abroad, stipend, dependents' allowance, if applicable, and a flat administrative allowance of $250.00 for the U.S. home institution.
