Effect of Nitrite on the Embryonic Development of Atlantic Salmon ( Salmo salar )

• Published in: Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
• Main Authors: Williams, E. M., Eddy, F. B.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Canadian Science Publishing 1989
• Subjects: Aquatic Science; Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics; Atlantic salmon; Salmo salar
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/f89-218; http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/f89-218

Effects of nitrite on eggs, alevins, and fry of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) were studied and of these developmental stages eggs were the most resistant with a 24-h LC 50 value of 3276 mg∙L −1 N∙NO 2 . Upon hatching tolerance sharply decreased, the 24-h LC 50 value for early alevins (2940 mg∙L −1 N∙NO 2 ) decreasing to 121.8 mg∙L −1 N∙NO 2 . Development in freshwater or dilute saline (10 mmol∙L −1 NaCl) proceeded normally without mortalities. Long-term exposure to nitrite concentrations as low as 14 mg∙L −1 N∙NO 2 delayed hatching and retarded embryo growth and development as well as producing cardiovascular effects such as a reduced heart rate. The physiological and environmental implications of nitrite exposure are discussed.