Exposure to sublethal levels of H 2 S does not influence the short-term growth or feed utilization in post-smolt Atlantic salmon ( Salmo salar ) during restrictive feeding
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) related mass mortality events in land-based recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) are associated with the sudden release of substantial amounts of H 2 S, resulting in acutely toxic exposure. However, the production and release of H 2 S can also occur at slower constant rates...
| Published in: | Aquaculture |
|---|---|
| Main Authors: | , , |
| Format: | Article in Journal/Newspaper |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
2024
|
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://orbit.dtu.dk/en/publications/f87086a1-0e32-462f-99f9-f4903fdc38a1 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquaculture.2024.741093 https://backend.orbit.dtu.dk/ws/files/361359083/1-s2.0-S0044848624005544-main.pdf |
| Summary: | Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) related mass mortality events in land-based recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) are associated with the sudden release of substantial amounts of H 2 S, resulting in acutely toxic exposure. However, the production and release of H 2 S can also occur at slower constant rates, leading to continuous exposure to sublethal H 2 S concentrations, the effects of which are unknown. Here, we examined growth rates, feed conversion ratios, and apparent nutrient digestibility in post-smolt Atlantic salmon, following a 10-day exposure to one of two sublethal concentrations of H 2 S, compared against a control group. The H 2 S concentrations of the low exposure (LE) and moderate exposure (ME) groups throughout the trial were 1.8 ± 0.8 μg/L and 4.1 ± 1.9 μg/L, respectively. Neither exposure regime affected growth, feed utilization, or the apparent nutrient digestibility. The results suggest that Atlantic salmon tolerate exposure to sublethal H 2 S concentrations for 10 days, without a discernible effect on the production performance. For aquaculture systems, specifically RAS, this means that while higher concentrations of H 2 S should be strictly avoided, the presence of low H 2 S concentrations for a limited period might not be detrimental to fish welfare or production. The RAS environment is complex, and the potential combined effects of H 2 S and factors pertinent to RAS may influence fish performance differently in a production setting. |
|---|