Using transparent fish to observe barotrauma associated with downstream passage through hydropower turbines
During downstream passage of hydroelectric facilities, fish can be injured by rapid decompression; this is especially noted during hydroturbine passage. The rapid decrease in pressure can cause barotrauma as undissolved gas expands according to Boyle’s law. However, it is difficult to see barotrauma occurring within the body of the fish in real time. In order to determine if transparent fish could provide greater insight into barotrauma, five species of transparent tropical fish were exposed to rapid decompressions so internal injuries could be viewed noninvasively. Before and after photos were taken to review the injuries and high speed video allowed observations of barotrauma pathways in vivo. High speed video recordings show the expansion of the swim bladder and subsequent release of gas through the mouth and gills, and into the body cavity when the swim bladder ruptured. Post-decompression photographs show that many internal injuries were visible and included hemorrhaging and the presence of emphysema within the body cavity and tissues. These observations provide new opportunities to understand the pathways and effects of barotrauma.
- Research Organization:
- Pacific Northwest National Lab. (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- Grant/Contract Number:
- AC05-76RL01830
- OSTI ID:
- 1770375
- Report Number(s):
- PNNL-SA-151922
- Journal Information:
- River Research and Applications, Vol. 36, Issue 8; ISSN 1535-1459
- Publisher:
- WileyCopyright Statement
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Pathways of Barotrauma in Juvenile Salmonids Exposed to Simulated Hydroturbine Passage: Boyle’s Law vs. Henry’s Law
Determining Barotrauma in the Pictus Catfish, Pimelodus pictus, Experimentally Exposed to Simulated Hydropower Turbine Passage