After a recent study by the U.S. government, chemical pollutants were discovered to be the cause behind the sex-changing fish that were found in the Potomac River outside Washington, D.C. These toxic wastes had caused many male smallmouth bass to produce eggs, which is supposed to be a female reproductive function. However, the research also showed that there were no female fish that produced sperms, much to the bewilderment of the many researchers.
In the article, these chemicals were also found in the waters in other parts of the United States, and even Europe. Other animals which habitats are along these areas are also found to have reproductive problems. As Dana Kolpin, a USGS research hydrologist (who is not involved in this study) had said, “What happens to them (after the toxic entered the river) is the million-dollar question.” I feel that this statement is very true, as it would be a great scientific breakthrough if scientists can find out how these chemicals can change the sex of animals, or even humans.
However, this environmental pollution could be a bad thing too – if it causes feminization in males through indirect consumption of these pollutants from the fish. Since these chemicals caused reproductive problems or sex change in many animals, it might also act up in men who had eaten fish which consumed these toxics. I feel that, although it can mean a great discovery, we should still find means to end this pollution and isolate the fishes for the benefit of mankind.
In my opinion, a good solution is to collect a sample portion of this chemical, mass replicate it inside laboratories, and test it on animals there (since it does not cause any physical damage to animals; but only a mutation in their genes). After this, environmentalists should trace these chemicals back to its origin and persuade these factories to stop their pollution by releasing their toxic waste into the sewage, or even release it into pipes that link to the laboratories for experiments, then find means to clean up the mess in polluted areas, using chemical solutions.
Hence, it would be a win-win situation if researchers can find a way to stop the toxic waste to enter water bodies, but use it for experiments instead. This way, it would not bring harm to mankind, but will benefit some of us if these scientists can find a relatively painless way to change sex – for breeding animals, and also for those who want to change their sexuality.
