There is an increasing scientific acceptance that fish may feel some sort of fear, pain and distress, which in turn feeds a growing concern for their welfare. Humans impact the wellbeing of a large number of fish in various ways, one of them being through research. Welfare legislation in the UK demand welfare considerations for all animals used in scientific procedures. Furthermore, welfare and enrichment needs for fish are included in the Appendix A of the European Convention for the Protection of Vertebrate Animals used for Experimental and Scientific Purposes. As fish are extensively used in research, changing their housing and husbandry to improve welfare is of importance, since fish kept in laboratories are most likely subjected to impoverished environments. Although enrichment programs have been shown to improve health and welfare in various animal species, little is known of their potential for application to juvenile rainbow trout. How best to improve barren experimental tanks for female juvenile rainbow trout used in regulatory research was the broad aim of this PhD. In this thesis, three enrichment strategies for rainbow trout have been examined, using physiological and behavioural welfare indicators. The first study assessed the effects of semitransparent shelters on trout welfare, and a clear message became evident; that shelters of this design should not be considered enrichment for rainbow trout as they had several significant negative impacts, indicating chronic stress in fish from shelter tanks relative to fish in a barren environment. The second study investigated impacts of reduced visual access to conspecifics in the same tank. Habitats with low visual contact between individuals have been suggested to reduce aggression for a range of species, and I have shown that visual barriers appeared to be beneficial to trout as well. The final experiment evaluated effects of high and low water currents on the wellbeing of rainbow trout, and results indicated increased fish welfare when water currents were supplied.

Fluoxetine (FLX), the active ingredient of Prozac™, is a member of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class of anti-depressant drugs and is present in aquatic environments worldwide. Previous studies reported that FLX is an endocrine disruptor in fish, bioconcentrating in tissues including the brain. Evidence implicates that serotonin influences the activity of the hypothalamo-pituitary-interrenal (HPI) stress axis, thus exposure to FLX may disrupt the teleost stress response. This study examined in vitro cortisol production in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) head kidney/interrenal cells exposed to FLX and 14C-pregnenolone metabolism in head kidney microsome preparations of FLX-exposed trout. Results indicated that cells exposed in vitro to increasing concentrations of FLX had lower cortisol production and cell viability (versus control) and microsomes isolated from trout exposed to 54 μg/L FLX had higher pregnenolone metabolism versus those of control and low FLX-exposed (0.54 μg/L) trout.

Fluoxetine (FLX), the active ingredient of Prozac™, is a member of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class of anti-depressant drugs and is present in aquatic environments worldwide. Previous studies reported that FLX is an endocrine disruptor in fish, bioconcentrating in tissues including the brain. Evidence implicates that serotonin influences the activity of the hypothalamo-pituitary-interrenal (HPI) stress axis, thus exposure to FLX may disrupt the teleost stress response. This study examined in vitro cortisol production in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) head kidney/interrenal cells exposed to FLX and 14C-pregnenolone metabolism in head kidney microsome preparations of FLX-exposed trout. Results indicated that cells exposed in vitro to increasing concentrations of FLX had lower cortisol production and cell viability (versus control) and microsomes isolated from trout exposed to 54 μg/L FLX had higher pregnenolone metabolism versus those of control and low FLX-exposed (0.54 μg/L) trout.

Fluoxetine (FLX), the active ingredient of Prozac™, is a member of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class of anti-depressant drugs and is present in aquatic environments worldwide. Previous studies reported that FLX is an endocrine disruptor in fish, bioconcentrating in tissues including the brain. Evidence implicates that serotonin influences the activity of the hypothalamo-pituitary-interrenal (HPI) stress axis, thus exposure to FLX may disrupt the teleost stress response. This study examined in vitro cortisol production in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) head kidney/interrenal cells exposed to FLX and 14C-pregnenolone metabolism in head kidney microsome preparations of FLX-exposed trout. Results indicated that cells exposed in vitro to increasing concentrations of FLX had lower cortisol production and cell viability (versus control) and microsomes isolated from trout exposed to 54 μg/L FLX had higher pregnenolone metabolism versus those of control and low FLX-exposed (0.54 μg/L) trout.

Fluoxetine (FLX), the active ingredient of Prozac™, is a member of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class of anti-depressant drugs and is present in aquatic environments worldwide. Previous studies reported that FLX is an endocrine disruptor in fish, bioconcentrating in tissues including the brain. Evidence implicates that serotonin influences the activity of the hypothalamo-pituitary-interrenal (HPI) stress axis, thus exposure to FLX may disrupt the teleost stress response. This study examined in vitro cortisol production in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) head kidney/interrenal cells exposed to FLX and 14C-pregnenolone metabolism in head kidney microsome preparations of FLX-exposed trout. Results indicated that cells exposed in vitro to increasing concentrations of FLX had lower cortisol production and cell viability (versus control) and microsomes isolated from trout exposed to 54 μg/L FLX had higher pregnenolone metabolism versus those of control and low FLX-exposed (0.54 μg/L) trout.

The aim of this thesis was to examine the influence of nitrite on fish. Influence of nitrite was evaluated on the basis of acute and sub-chronic toxicity tests results on rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). The effects of nitrite were also observed in wels catfish {--} albino (Silurus glanis). On the basis of the results of acute toxicity tests, values of lethal concentration of nitrite for rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) (96hLC50 = 11.2 mg.l-1 NO2-) and for wels catfish {--} albino (Silurus glanis) (96hLC50 = 15.8 mg.l-1 NO2-) were calculated. Using results of acute toxicity test for rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and with respect to legislative requirements, concentrations of nitrite for sub-chronic toxicity test were selected. The results of sub-chronic toxicity test showed that nitrite concentration of 3 mg.l-1 NO2- during 28-day exposition caused 65 % fish mortality. This concentration also caused growth rate decrease compared to control. Growth rate among fish exposed to concentrations lower then 3 mg.l-1 NO2- was comparable to control. Among fish exposed to nitrite concentration of 0.6 mg.l-1 NO2- and higher nitrite accumulation in muscle and in blood plasma was observed. Haematological examination showed statistically significant decrease of haematocrit value and concentration of haemoglobin and increase of the number of leukocytes in experimental fish. Other measured haematological parameters (Ery, MCV, MCH and MCHC) were comparable with control.

Current literature suggests that little, if any, research has been conducted in South Africa to determine the impact of alien invasive trout on indigenous amphibian biodiversity. The primary aim of the research project was to establish whether waterfalls are seasonally important in protecting the indigenous Natal Cascade Frog Hadromophryne natalensis tadpole populations from predation by alien rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss and brown trout Salmo trutta at two sampling areas located at Injesuthi and Monk‟s Cowl Nature Reserve within the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site (UDPWHS). The dissertation argues in favour of a biotic rationale, namely trout predation, as being the primary cause for the decline of H. natalensis tadpoles below the waterfalls and systematically negates the influence of geo-physical (abiotic) environmental factors on tadpole abundance. Habitat isolation and fragmentation is identified as a latent threat to the continued persistence of H. natalensis populations in the UDPWHS. / Environmental Sciences / M. Sc. (Environmental Science)

Current literature suggests that little, if any, research has been conducted in South Africa to determine the impact of alien invasive trout on indigenous amphibian biodiversity. The primary aim of the research project was to establish whether waterfalls are seasonally important in protecting the indigenous Natal Cascade Frog Hadromophryne natalensis tadpole populations from predation by alien rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss and brown trout Salmo trutta at two sampling areas located at Injesuthi and Monk‟s Cowl Nature Reserve within the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site (UDPWHS). The dissertation argues in favour of a biotic rationale, namely trout predation, as being the primary cause for the decline of H. natalensis tadpoles below the waterfalls and systematically negates the influence of geo-physical (abiotic) environmental factors on tadpole abundance. Habitat isolation and fragmentation is identified as a latent threat to the continued persistence of H. natalensis populations in the UDPWHS. / Environmental Sciences / M. Sc. (Environmental Science)

Soil contamination with heavy metals is a problem of worldwide concern that is still unsolved. The analysis of the current methods of soil cleaning from heavy metals leads to conclusions that phytoremediation, i.e. soil decontamination by using plants, is one of the best methods. Although this method has not received a wide application yet and possibilities of its application are still being analysed, it is one of the most prospective soil cleaning methods due to low cost and a rather efficient cleaning of the upper surface of soil. Three kinds of Poaceae f. Species – Lolium perenne L., Poa pratensis L. and Festuca pratensis Huds. – have been chosen in this work for decontaminating soil from heavy metals. These plants were grown under artificial laboratory conditions in soil which was once and periodically contaminated with heavy metals. It was established that it is the Lolium perenne L. that most efficiently removes heavy metals and cleans soil. The results of experiments show that the selected grassy plants (perennial ryegrass, meadow-grass and fescue-grass) efficiently clean soil from heavy metals (copper, lead, manganese, zinc, nickel and chromium) when soil contains both low (0.5–120 mg/kg) and high (up to 6,850 mg/kg) concentrations of these metals. Since the perennial ryegrass absorbs the highest amount of heavy metals, the highest efficiency of soil cleaning is achieved using this plant, therefore, 80 % of the mixture of grassy plants was formed of the perennial... [to full text] / Dirvožemio tarša sunkiaisiais metalais visame pasaulyje aktuali problema iki šiol neturinti universalaus sprendimo. Išanalizavus šiuo metu dirvožemio valymui nuo sunkiųjų metalų naudojamus metodus, galima daryti išvadą, kad vienas iš tinkamiausių metodų yra fitoremediacija, t. y. dirvožemio valymas nuo teršalų panaudojant augalus. Šis metodas dar nėra plačiai taikomas ir jo taikymo galimybės dar tik tiriamos tačiau, tai vienas iš perspektyviausių dirvožemio valymo metodų dėl sąlyginai mažos kainos ir pakankamai efektyvaus paviršinio dirvožemio sluoksnio išvalymo. Atliktų eksperimentinių tyrimų rezultatai parodė, kad pasirinkta žolinė augalija – daugiametė svidrė, pievinė miglė ir tikrasis eraičinas efektyviai valo dirvožemį nuo sunkiųjų metalų (vario, švino, mangano, cinko, nikelio, chromo) tiek esant mažoms (0,5–120 mg/kg), tiek didelėms (iki 6850 mg/kg) jų koncentracijoms dirvožemyje. Kadangi daugiausiai sunkiųjų metalų iš dirvožemio sorbuoja svidrė, tai dirvožemio valymo efektyvumas naudojant šią žolinės augalijos rūšį yra efektyviausias ir sudarant žolinės augalijos mišinį 80  sudarė svidrė ir po 10  eraičinas bei miglė. Eksperimentų metu tirta, kaip sunkiųjų metalų mišinio koncentracijos kenkia hidrobiontams ir nustatyta, kad didinat sunkiųjų metalų mišinio koncentracijas (iki 0,198–5,12 g/l) jos tampa letalinėmis vaivorykštiniam upėtakiui, tuo pačiu ir kitiems vandens gyvūnams.Pagal tyrimų su vaivorykštiniais upėtakiais rezultatus nustatyta, kad stebimų... [toliau žr. visą tekstą]

Dirvožemio tarša sunkiaisiais metalais visame pasaulyje aktuali problema iki šiol neturinti universalaus sprendimo. Fitoremediacija – naujai atsirandanti ir daug žadanti technologija nestipriai užterštiems dirvožemiams valyti naudojant augalus. Šiame darbe dirvožemio valymui nuo sunkiųjų metalų pasirinktos trys žolinės augalijos rūšys – svidrė, miglė ir eraičinas, augintos modelinėmis laboratorinėmis sąlygomis vieną kartą ir periodiškai sunkiaisiais metalais teršiamuose dirvožemiuose. Nustatyta, kad geriausiai sunkiuosius metalus iš dirvožemio sorbuoja ir didžiausias dirvožemio valymo efektyvumas pasiekiamas naudojant svidrę. Augalijai sorbuojant sunkiuosius metalus iš dirvožemio dalis šių metalų (Cu, Cr, Zn, Pb, Mn, Ni) koncentruojasi žolinės augalijos šaknyse, tačiau didžioji dalis ten susikaupiančių metalų (iki 90 proc.) pereina į antžeminę augalo dalį. Didžiausios sunkiųjų metalų koncentracijos augale (iki 60 proc. ir daugiau) ir atitinkamai efektyviausias dirvožemio valymas nustatytas svidrės atveju, todėl sudarant mišinį didžiąją dalį (80 proc.) jame sudaro svidrė. Sunkiųjų metalų mišinys daro neigiamą įtaką vaivorykštinio upėtakio jauniklių fiziologiniams ir morfologiniams rodikliams, todėl didinat sunkiųjų metalų mišinio koncentracijas (iki 0,198–5,12 g/l) jos tampa letalinėmis vaivorykštiniams upėtakiams, tuo pačiu ir kitiems vandens gyvūnams. Pagal tyrimų su vaivorykštiniais upėtakiais rezultatus nustatyta, kad stebimų upėtakių, gyvenusių akvariume, užterštame 5,7... [toliau žr. visą tekstą] / Soil contamination with heavy metals is a problem of worldwide concern that is still unsolved. The analysis of the current methods of soil cleaning from heavy metals leads to conclusions that phytoremediation, i.e. soil decontamination by using plants, is one of the best methods. Although this method has not received a wide application yet and possibilities of its application are still being analysed, it is one of the most prospective soil cleaning methods due to low cost and a rather efficient cleaning of the upper surface of soil. Three kinds of Poaceae f. Species – Lolium perenne L., Poa pratensis L. and Festuca pratensis Huds. – have been chosen in this work for decontaminating soil from heavy metals. These plants were grown under artificial laboratory conditions in soil which was once and periodically contaminated with heavy metals. It was established that it is the Lolium perenne L. that most efficiently removes heavy metals and cleans soil. The results of experiments show that the selected grassy plants (perennial ryegrass, meadow-grass and fescue-grass) efficiently clean soil from heavy metals (copper, lead, manganese, zinc, nickel and chromium) when soil contains both low (0.5–120 mg/kg) and high (up to 6,850 mg/kg) concentrations of these metals. Since the perennial ryegrass absorbs the highest amount of heavy metals, the highest efficiency of soil cleaning is achieved using this plant, therefore, 80 % of the mixture of grassy plants was formed of the perennial... [to full text]