FISH GILL DAMAGE
FROM MALATHION IN WATER
Photographs show cross section of a normal bluefish gill (LEFT) and a bluefish gill after malathion exposure (RIGHT).
Exposure was to malathion at levels which have previously been found
to occur in the environment - .05 mg/liter
Research conducted by the
Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Ohio

NORMAL FISH GILL
Photograph of a healthy bluefish gill.
The tips seen in this photograph are called the primary filaments. These filaments transfer oxygen from the water to the fish.

PHOTOGRAPHS FROM THE JOURNAL

BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION TOXICOLOGY, 43:123-130, 1989

MALATHION EXPOSED GILLS
Photograph of the same area of bluefish gill as seen in the left picture but 24 hours after the fish was placed in a tank containing low levels of malathion (.05 mg/liter). Cross section shows tips of what is called the primary filament. Note massive degeneration of filament from malathion exposure. This reduces oxygen levels to the fish.- both left and right photographs were of the same area in the fish and of the same magnification. Researchers state not all fish are this affected by malathion, but bluefish show heightened vulnerability and bluefish are a popular food a game fish.

Environmental Protection Commission (EPC)
Facts on water malathion levels
Information provided by Eric Lesnett 7/10
Phone: 272-5960

Maximum level of malathion allowed in our waters - .1 ppb (parts per billion)

Highest malathion level found by Environmental Protection Commission -
50.1 ppb (This is 50 times higher than the maximum allowable level)

One of the highly toxic break-down products of malathion is malaoxon

Present technology of the EPC can only determine if malaoxon is or is not present.
They are currently unable to determine the specific levels of malaoxon present.
They can determine if malaoxon is present only if it is above .5 ppb

If you see fish or wildlife kills please call Eric Lesnett at the EPC at
813-272-5960