Disturbed ion balance in alevins of Atlantic salmon Salmo salar chronically exposed to sublethal concentrations of cadmium

• Published in: Canadian Journal of Zoology
• Main Authors: Rombough, Peter J., Garside, E. T.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Canadian Science Publishing 1984
• Subjects: Animal Science and Zoology; Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics; Atlantic salmon; Salmo salar
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/z84-207; http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/z84-207

Embryos and alevins of Atlantic salmon Salmo salar were exposed to cadmium concentrations ranging from 0.47 to 300 μg Cd/L from shortly after fertilization to near complete yolk absorption (92 days). Tissue sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and water contents of embryos and alevins were determined at 9-day intervals during this period. Cadmium had no significant effect on the tissue cation or water contents of embryos. Net water uptake by alevins was significantly inhibited at cadmium concentrations ≥0.78 μg Cd/L. Net sodium uptake was significantly inhibited at all concentrations except 79 and 300 μg Cd/L, but because of the concomitant decrease in water uptake there were no significant changes in sodium to water ratios. Net potassium uptake was significantly inhibited at concentrations ≥ 8.2 μg Cd/L and net calcium uptake was significantly inhibited at concentrations ≥ 0.78 μg Cd/L. Tissue magnesium was not affected. Calcification of skeletal elements was inhibited progressively at concentrations ≥ 0.78 μg Cd/L. Low tissue potassium and calcium levels appeared to be responsible for many of the symptoms associated with cadmium poisoning and were probably the immediate cause of death.