Effects of trace metals on growth of yellow perch (Perca flavescens) as measured by RNA-DNA ratios

Abstract

SynopsisRelationships between sublethal concentrations of cadmium and zinc in natural water and metal uptake by and growth of fish were investigated. RNA-DNA ratios and weight gain were used to assess seasonal growth differences between yellow perch populations from contaminated and control sites. Whole-body concentrations of cadmium and zinc in youngof-the-year perch (Perca flavescens) were significantly different between sites. Measurable growth differences did occur and were significantly correlated with cadmium levels. Growth differences that were prominent during mid-summer were reduced by late summer. RNA-DNA ratios werc sensitive indicators of fish growth.

Lead-induced metabolic imbalances and feeding alterations in juvenile fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas)

“…Environmental contaminants, such as Pb, have been shown to affect both growth rates and metabolic activity (Tam et al, 1988;Sawicka-Kapusta et al, 1987;Kumaraguru and Beamish, 1986;Kearns and Atchison, 1979). Because Pb-altered behaviors may be potentially affected by changes in energy allocation and utilization (Weber, 1991), this study was designed to evaluate selected aspects of both behavioral and bioenergetic toxicity as a first step toward integrating these two fields.…”

Estimation of saithe Pollachius virens growth rates around the Beryl oil platforms in the North Sea: a comparison of methods

“…The RNA concentration within tissues of fish has been shown to be reduced as a result of exposure to low pH (bIudge et al 1977), cadmium (Kearns & Aitchison 1979) and hydrogen cyanide (Barron & Adelrnan 1984). Controlled exposure of laboratory maintained Atlantic cod Gadus morhua to low concentrations of crude oil resulted in poor feeding, reduction in condition factor, reduction in some organ-somatic indices and the delay of spermeation (Kceniuk & Khan 1987).…”

“…The effect of pollutants on fish and shellfish have been considered by many workers using a variety of different approaches including: changes in swimming and feeding behaviour (Drummond et al 1973, Luquet et al 1983, changes in growth rate (Kearns & Aitchison 1979), monitoring of disease prevalence in natural stocks (Bucke & Waterman 1988), accumulation of non-nutrient metals (Pierson 1981), induction of the mixed function oxygenase system (Spies et al 1982), analysis of chemical residues (Murray & Norton 1982), and the genotoxic effect of possible mutagens (Dixon & Clarke 1982). In many studies exposure to a pollutant has been regarded as a stressful event and specific biochemical responses to stress, such as the production of detoxification enzymes, metallothionein production and changes in the immunological defence system, have been measured (see Adams 1990, Holwerda & Opperhuizen 1991.…”

Regime alimentaire et croissance de la ouananiche (Salmo salar L ) du Lac St-Jean

“…(éperlans) ou leur restriction dans le milieu naturel pourrait influencer à long terme la croissance entière de la population et la condition relative des poissons (Havey, 1973;Barbour et al 1979;Kircheis et Stanley 1981;Warner et Havey, 1985) La disponibilité des grosses proies (tel que l'éperlan) dans le milieu avantagerait donc la croissance (Wankowski et Thorpe, 1979;Chaston, 1969) intercirculi pourraient aussi être envisagées (Kearns et Atchison, 1979;Wilder et Stanley, 1983).…”