Date of Award
3-7-2023
Type
Thesis
Major
Master of Science
First Advisor
Elizabeth Klar
Second Advisor
Daniel Holt
Third Advisor
Kathleen hughes
Abstract
The health of Largemouth bass from west-central Georgia was assessed using liver histopathology and the degree of tissue change index (DTC), hepatosomatic indices (HSI), relative weight, condition factors, and intersex. These health parameters as well as water chemistry data were compared across four bodies of water, three within the Chattahoochee watershed, and one pseudo-control located in the Flint watershed. Fish from Lake Oliver, Lake Harding, and West Point Lake had severely impacted liver health compared to Warm Springs National Fish Hatchery, with DTC rankings over 100 for the three lakes within the Chattahoochee watershed, demonstrating severely damaged livers. There was a significant difference between the hepatosomatic index and condition factor for fish when grouped into either high (>100) DTC or low (< 58) DTC categories, but not for relative weight. DTC scores between males and females in the study showed no significant difference. Males who had intersex had significantly higher DTC averages. Water chemistry analysis found 12 compounds that are known endocrine disruptors that can cause liver damage, including several types of phthalates in the Chattahoochee Watershed.
Recommended Citation
Goodwin, Kari Carmack, "Assessment of Largemouth Bass (Micropterus Salmoides) Condition Using Liver Histopathology, Health Parameters and Water Quality Of The Central Chattahoochee River Watershed" (2023). Theses and Dissertations. 484.
https://csuepress.columbusstate.edu/theses_dissertations/484
