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Title: Effect of exposure time and copper concentration on reproduction of the fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas)

Journal Article · · Water Res.; (United States)

Three concurrent studies were conducted to determine the chronic effect of prespawning exposure to various concentrations of copper on fathead minnow reproduction. Copper was introduced into the three exposure systems to give 6-, 3-, and 0-months exposure prior to spawning. Prespawning exposure time had no significant effect on reproduction. Number of eggs produced per female decreased, however, with increase in copper concentrations. Egg production at copper concentrations of 37 ..mu..g l/sup -1/ and higher was significantly lower (P = 0.05) than in the control, but at concentrations of 24 ..mu..g l/sup -1/ and lower it was not different. The maximum acceptable toxicant concentrations (MATC) was estimated to be 32 ..mu..g Cu l/sup -1/, which is 0.07 of the 96 h LC/sub 50/. This application factor for copper is similar to those found in other studies.

Research Organization:
Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati
OSTI ID:
5110068
Journal Information:
Water Res.; (United States), Vol. 11:12
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English