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Title: Effects of altering freshwater chemistry on physiological responses of rainbow trout to silver exposure

Journal Article · · Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry
 [1]; ;  [2]
  1. INRA, Rennes (France). Lab de Physiologie des Poissons
  2. McMaster Univ., Hamilton, Ontario (Canada). Dept. of Biology

The influence of different water Cl{sup {minus}}, Ca{sup 2+}, Na{sup +}, or dissolved organic carbon levels on silver-induced physiological and biochemical perturbations of rainbow trout were investigated. Fish were acclimated to soft water for 6 h, which resulted in a reduction in Na{sup +} influx from the water, an inhibition of gill sodium- and potassium-activated adenosine triphosphatase activity, and an accumulation of silver on the gills. Increasing the water Cl{sup {minus}} or DOC levels ameliorated the silver toxicity. However, increasing water Ca{sup 2+} or Na{sup +} concentration did not reduce the silver-induced physiological and biochemical perturbations. The free silver ion (Ag{sup +}) concentrations showed a negative correlation with the Na{sup +} influx rates and gill Na{sup +}/K{sup +}-ATPase activity. However, gill silver levels did not correlate to Ag{sup +} concentrations and no correlation was found between gill silver levels and either Na{sup +} influx rates or gill Na{sup +}/K{sup +}-ATPase activity. These results support the notion that the [Ag{sup +}] concentration is of major importance when assessing silver toxicity in fish, and that this should be taken into account in regulatory strategies for silver in the natural environment.

Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
OSTI ID:
318843
Journal Information:
Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Vol. 18, Issue 1; Other Information: PBD: Jan 1999
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English