Document Type
Article
Abstract
Brown Bullhead Ameiurus nebulosus, Yellow Bullhead Ameiurus natalis, and Bluegill Lepomis macrochirus are unique in their stark differences. Bullhead are scaleless bottom feeders that can tolerate high pollution and low O2 conditions. In contrast, Bluegill are scaled, aggressive nesters and are less tolerant of high pollutants or low-oxygen conditions. Among these pollutants include a class of chemicals called neonicotinoids (hereafter referred to as neonics). Neonics are a class of insecticides primarily used within agriculture and pest management. Due to the effectiveness, application has escalated on a global scale. They have been well documented by many toxicology assessments. Although these compounds are known endocrine disruptors in fish, little research has examined them in Minnesota lakes. The objective of this study was to determine neonic concentration in Bullhead and Bluegill livers. A secondary objective of this study was to test whether pollution levels influence neonic concentration in Bullhead and Bluegill livers. An ELIZA kit was used on fish livers to evaluate whether pollution levels predict neonic concentration. Neonics were detectable in Yellow & Brown Bullhead from both study areas (P < 0.22). Bullhead imidacloprid concentration was 2.03 ± 0.90 ng/g (mean ± SD). Neonics were also detectable in Bluegill from both study areas (P < 0.017). Bluegill neonic concentration was 3.05 ± 0.53 ng/g (mean ± SD). Laboratory analyses have demonstrated that neonics can be detected in freshwater ecosystems located in Minnesota. The data found in this study suggests that pollution levels play an important role in neonic bioaccumulation.
Publication Date
2026
Recommended Citation
Stuber, Jake, "Neonicotinoid Bioaccumulation in Bluegill and Bullhead Within Lake Julia and Lake Zumwalde" (2026). Journal of Earth and Life Science. 96.
https://pines.bemidjistate.edu/j-earth-life-sci/96
Included in
Aquaculture and Fisheries Commons, Biodiversity Commons, Biology Commons, Biosecurity Commons, Environmental Health Commons, Environmental Health and Protection Commons, Environmental Monitoring Commons, Environmental Studies Commons, Laboratory and Basic Science Research Commons, Natural Resources and Conservation Commons, Natural Resources Management and Policy Commons, Other Pharmacology, Toxicology and Environmental Health Commons, Sustainability Commons, Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecology Commons, Toxicology Commons, Water Resource Management Commons
Comments
Faculty sponsor: Dr. Andrew Hafs, Department of Biology, Aquatic Biology Program