EROD MEASUREMENTS IN FISH FROM THE NORTHWEST PART OF FRANCE

In this study, EROD activity (7-Ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase) was measured in plaice (Pleuronectes platessa) and callionyme (Callionymus lyra) from the bay of Seine, France. A new methodology based on the use of the fluorescence microplate reader was used. This methodology enables numbers of measurements of EROD activity to be measured directly onboard ship with the advantage of simplicity and is well adapted for monitoring purposes. A seasonal variation study of EROD activity in plaice from a reference site showed an increase during the reproductive season. Results obtained in field experiments demonstrate the ability of measuring EROD activity induction in both plaice and callionyme for monitoring the effect of pollutants of the Seine River. Ten individuals were analyzed for PCBs and HCH concentrations. A correlation was observed between EROD activity in plaice and PCBs and HCH contents (0.62 and -0.69 respectively). The results establish the use of microplate reader as a tool for monitoring the environmental induction of EROD and the ability of using both plaice and callionymes in the bay of Seine.