The synergistic effects of acidity and aluminum on fish (golden shiners) in Louisiana
Titel:
The synergistic effects of acidity and aluminum on fish (golden shiners) in Louisiana
Auteur:
Robinson, James W. Deano, Paula M.
Verschenen in:
Journal of environmental science and health. Part A, Toxic/hazardous substances & environmental engineering
Paginering:
Jaargang 20 (1985) nr. 2 pagina's 193-204
Jaar:
1985-02
Inhoud:
The effects of acidity on the mortality of fish (golden shiners) was studied at pH 3.7, 4.5, 5.0, 7.0, and 7.8, under controlled laboratory conditions. Results showed at pH 3.7 all fish died rapidly. As the acidity decreased, the rate of loss of fish decreased. At pH 4.5 they lived about 3 weeks and they survived pH 5.0. Aluminum was added to freshwater tanks as Al2(SO4)3 and the pH of the tank adjusted slowly as necessary to avoid localization of the acid. The tanks were then allowed to equilibrate and 20 fish placed in each tank. At pH 4.5 and 5.0 plus 100ppm aluminum, all fish died within a few hours. With total aluminum concentrations of 10 ppm and 100 ppm and pH 4.5 and pH 5.0 it appeared that the aluminum and the acid had a synergistic toxic effect. Visual inspection of the fish showed the aluminum interacted with the gills, which may have caused suffocation. It is possible that some chemical forms of aluminum are more toxic than others. Suspended clay (aluminum silicate) does not appear to be toxic, but in acid solution aluminum ion is released which may be toxic. In other studies using nuclear magnetic resonance, data suggested an interaction of the decomposition products of leaves with aluminum in aqueous media possibly neutralizes the toxic form. These preliminary observations indicate the feasibility of eliminating aluminum toxicity and invite further studies.
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