Decreased toxicity of Al to juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) in acidic soft water containing natural organic matter: A test of the free-ion model

Journal Article · Mon Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1997 · Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1002/etc.5620160928· OSTI ID:556556

Roy, R L ^[1]; Campbell, P G.C. ^[2]

---

1. B.A.R. Environmental, Guelph, Ontario (Canada)
2. Univ. du Quebec, Ste-Foy, Quebec (Canada)

Toxicological experiments were designed to test the predictions of the free-ion model (FIM) in a soft, acidic water containing Al and a natural fulvic acid (FA). Juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) were exposed to Al in either inorganic or organic acidic soft waters, at pH 5.0, and 50% lethal concentrations (LC50) values were determined for both exposure solutions. Contrary to the predictions of the FIM, the LC50s, expressed as inorganic Al (Al{sub i}), were significantly higher in the organic solution than in the inorganic medium. Preexposure of the fish to a 10-mg/L FA solution at pH 5.0, without Al, did not protect the animals from a subsequent Al challenge in solutions without FA. A regression model related mortality with Al{sub i} and total organic carbon (TOC) and was highly significant. The authors conclude that natural FA may play an independent protective role in solutions containing Al, in addition to that of decreasing Al toxicity by complexation of the metal and reducing the free Al{sup 3+} concentration.

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• OSTI ID: 556556
• Journal Information: Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Journal Name: Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry Journal Issue: 9 Vol. 16; ISSN 0730-7268; ISSN ETOCDK
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
56 BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
APPLIED STUDIES
ACIDIFICATION
ALUMINIUM
BIOLOGICAL INDICATORS
F CODES
FULVIC ACIDS
PH VALUE
SALMON
TOXICITY
WATER POLLUTION