The application of haematological values in a water quality index
- Rand Afrikaans Univ., Johannesburg (South Africa). Dept. of Zoology
The introduction of many relatively toxic metal cations into an aquatic environment causes multiple changes in the internal dynamics of aquatic organisms, even at sublethal levels. Fish have for many years been regarded as excellent indicators of water quality, Hydrological variables, such as alkalinity, dissolved oxygen, hardness, pH, temperature, exposure time and particular stage in the fish life cycle greatly influence the lethal effects of metals. Death was taken as the only measurable effect to establish the toxicity levels of different metal pollutants. To determine the toxicity of metal pollution on aquatic organisms, the detrimental effects induced by sublethal concentrations on fish physiology, certain physiological and specifically haematological and biochemical variables, have to be monitored before the fish die. The use of haematological variables as indicators of sublethal effects of stress can provide information on the physiological effects in fish during change of the environment. By taking both the water chemistry and the physiological response by the fish into account, toxic levels of pollutants are established scientifically. In the field of water management, scientists, engineers and managers are confronted with a large array of data that can be totally overwhelming. Add to that additional information on sublethal effects of pollutants on the haematology of fish. Instead of confusing the issue further, the information on sublethal effects of pollutants should be incorporated with other relevant water quality data into a water quality index. The index incorporating all relevant data could be UBW by officials responsible for water management to assess water quality. Results obtained from literature and personal experimentation is interpreted in a simplified manner through the index to bridge the gap between the extremes of establishing the effects of metals on fish and reporting.
- OSTI ID:
- 372530
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-9511137-; ISBN 1-880611-03-1; TRN: IM9641%%607
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 2. Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) world conference, Vancouver (Canada), 5-9 Nov 1995; Other Information: PBD: 1995; Related Information: Is Part Of Second SETAC world congress (16. annual meeting): Abstract book. Global environmental protection: Science, politics, and common sense; PB: 378 p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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