Metal accumulation in gill epithelium and liver tissue in steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) reared in reclaimed wastewater

Graduation Date

2008

Document Type

Thesis

Program

Other

Program

Thesis (M.S.)--Humboldt State University, Natural Resources: Wastewater Utilization Program, 2008

Committee Chair Name

Kristine Brenneman

Committee Chair Affiliation

HSU Faculty or Staff

Keywords

Metal accumulation, Steelhead trout, Pacific Ocean--Humboldt Bay, Humboldt State University -- Theses -- Wastewater Utilization

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the bioaccumulation of copper, cadmium and zinc in steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) gill epithelium and liver tissue subsequent to rearing in reclaimed wastewater for 12 months. Copper, cadmium and zinc are metals commonly found in wastewater and at certain concentrations can be toxic to fish. Previous studies found copper, cadmium and zinc had the highest accumulation in gill epithelium and liver tissue of trout species. Copper found in gill and liver tissue of trout in Summer Ponds 1 and 2 at the end of twelve months was lower than the reference site, conversely, mean aqueous copper concentrations in Summer Ponds were higher then the reference site. The bioaccumulation of copper in the liver tissue of trout reared in wastewater was considered not to be at toxic levels. Cadmium in gill epithelium and liver tissue and copper in gill epithelium was below levels of detection before and after twelve months exposure. Zinc found in gill and liver tissue of trout in Summer Ponds 1 and 2 at the end of twelve months was higher than the reference site. Mean aqueous zinc concentrations at Summer Pond 1 and 2 were higher than the reference site. Zinc was not considered to be at toxic levels. In summary, concentrations of copper, cadmium and zinc in the Summer Ponds were below toxic concentrations and the wastewater Summer Ponds met the necessary metabolic requirements for rearing trout.

https://scholarworks.calstate.edu/concern/theses/v118rh03v

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