Return to search

The impacts of agricultural chemicals and temperature on the physiological stress response in fish

Fish are exposed to multiple stressors in their environment. The interactive
effects of pesticide exposure and increased temperature on the physiological stress
response were investigated in a comparative field study with cold-water (whitefish,
Prosopium williamsoni) and cool-water (sucker, Catostomus) fish from the Oldman
River, Alberta, Canada, and in a laboratory study with rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus
mykiss. Physiogical stress indicators were measured, and exposure to pesticides was
estimated using acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition. Species-specific differences in
AChE activities and responses of the physiological stress axis were detected in whitefish
and suckers, suggesting that whitefish are a more sensitive species to temperature and
pesticide stress. In vivo Dimethoate exposure inhibited AChE activity in various tissues
and disrupted the physiogical stress response. Commercial Dimethoate, in vitro, caused a
decrease in viability and cortisol secretion while pure grade Dimethoate did not. The
results from this study can be used in predictions of fish vulnerability to stress. / ix, 137 leaves : ill. ; 29 cm.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:LACETR/oai:collectionscanada.gc.ca:ALU.w.uleth.ca/dspace#10133/676
Date January 2007
CreatorsQuinn, Amie L., University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Arts and Science
ContributorsHontela, Alice
PublisherLethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbirdge, Faculty of Arts and Science, 2007, Arts and Science, Department of Biological Studies
Source SetsLibrary and Archives Canada ETDs Repository / Centre d'archives des thèses électroniques de Bibliothèque et Archives Canada
Languageen_US
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeThesis
RelationThesis (University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Arts and Science)

Page generated in 0.0087 seconds