Masters Thesis

Metal accumulation in gill epithelium and liver tissue in steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) reared in reclaimed wastewater

The purpose of this study was to assess the bioaccumulation of copper, cadmium and zinc in steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) gill epithelium and liver tissue subsequent to rearing in reclaimed wastewater for 12 months. Copper, cadmium and zinc are metals commonly found in wastewater and at certain concentrations can be toxic to fish. Previous studies found copper, cadmium and zinc had the highest accumulation in gill epithelium and liver tissue of trout species. Copper found in gill and liver tissue of trout in Summer Ponds 1 and 2 at the end of twelve months was lower than the reference site, conversely, mean aqueous copper concentrations in Summer Ponds were higher then the reference site. The bioaccumulation of copper in the liver tissue of trout reared in wastewater was considered not to be at toxic levels. Cadmium in gill epithelium and liver tissue and copper in gill epithelium was below levels of detection before and after twelve months exposure. Zinc found in gill and liver tissue of trout in Summer Ponds 1 and 2 at the end of twelve months was higher than the reference site. Mean aqueous zinc concentrations at Summer Pond 1 and 2 were higher than the reference site. Zinc was not considered to be at toxic levels. In summary, concentrations of copper, cadmium and zinc in the Summer Ponds were below toxic concentrations and the wastewater Summer Ponds met the necessary metabolic requirements for rearing trout.

Items in ScholarWorks are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.