EROD in biota

What is it: 

EROD [7-Ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase] is an enzyme found in fish liver which is important in the metabolism of contaminants such as certain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons ( PAHs) and other structurally similar compounds.

The expression and activity of EROD increases in fish exposed to these contaminants through the food they eat, contact with contaminated sediments or via the water column. Although the health effects of high levels of EROD are unknown, the mechanism of enzyme induction produces highly reactive intermediates of certain contaminants which may cause the onset of carcinogenesis, cell death and embryonic mortality.

The layers shows the assessments from the MERMAN database, used for international reporting, for both male and female fish.

Links to Scotland's Marine Atlas: 
This information page is part of the theme: 
Biological Effects - EROD [7-Ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase] in Biota (Female) 2013-2015 © Marine Scotland