The impacts of agricultural chemicals and temperature on the physiological stress response in fish
Date
2007
Authors
Quinn, Amie L.
University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Arts and Science
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbirdge, Faculty of Arts and Science, 2007
Abstract
Fish are exposed to multiple stressors in their environment. The interactive
effects of pesticide exposure and increased temperature on the physiological stress
response were investigated in a comparative field study with cold-water (whitefish,
Prosopium williamsoni) and cool-water (sucker, Catostomus) fish from the Oldman
River, Alberta, Canada, and in a laboratory study with rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus
mykiss. Physiogical stress indicators were measured, and exposure to pesticides was
estimated using acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition. Species-specific differences in
AChE activities and responses of the physiological stress axis were detected in whitefish
and suckers, suggesting that whitefish are a more sensitive species to temperature and
pesticide stress. In vivo Dimethoate exposure inhibited AChE activity in various tissues
and disrupted the physiogical stress response. Commercial Dimethoate, in vitro, caused a
decrease in viability and cortisol secretion while pure grade Dimethoate did not. The
results from this study can be used in predictions of fish vulnerability to stress.
Description
ix, 137 leaves : ill. ; 29 cm.
Keywords
Dissertations, Academic , Fishes -- Effect of stress on , Fishes -- Effect of chemicals on , Fishes -- Effect of temperature on , Fishes -- Effect of pesticides on