Lake Apopka and its Inhabitants

            Lake Apopka, which is located in Florida, is the third largest lake in the United States. This lake specifically has been studied for several years now because its alligator inhabitants have not been developing correctly sexually. Now researchers want to know why this is happening and how exactly the cause is changing these alligators. The cause for these defects in the alligators of Lake Apopka is the pollution and contaminants in the water from runoff, dumping and chemical spills. 
        In June 2010, the Idaho Academy of Science began an experiment that entailed them screening American alligators for physiological issues stemming from the contaminants of Lake Apopka, Florida. The lab tested these alligators' LDH(hepatic lactate dehydrogenase) levels, GST(glutathione S-transferase), and they also tested to see if there were any fluctuations in aerobic respiration or if there was any heavy metal exposure. The test results showed higher levels of LDH in Lake Apopka Alligators, which suggests that there was more anaerobic respiration. Some of the tests also suggested a possibility of some heavy metal exposure. The GST activity wasn't too different from the control group samples. 
        High levels in LDH usually indicate tissue damage. So the water of Lake Apopka is damaging the tissue of these alligators and also damaging their sexual organs. If we can't begin to control this issue of contaminants in Lake Apopka, the alligators will continue to die off and won't be able to reproduce since they aren't developing correctly.
 






Sources:
Boggs, Ashley, et al. "Screening American alligators, alligator mississippienisis, inhabiting reference and contaminated sites for alterations in normal physiological function." Journal of the Idaho Academy of Science 46.1 (2010): 25. 

Gale Science In Context. Web. 24 Oct. 2012.Rauschenberger, Heath. "The Lake Apopka agreement." Endangered Species Update 24.3 (2007): S16+. Gale Science In Context. Web. 24 Oct. 2012.