SUB-LETHAL EFFECTS OF CADMIUM ON AUDITORY STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION IN THE FATHEAD (Pimephales promelas) AND BLUNTNOSE (Pimephales notatus) MINNOWS
Year: 2009
Type: dissertation
Abstract: Aquatic ecosystems are threatened by environmental contaminants and many heavy metals can influence the structure and function of vital sense organs in fishes. The current study examines cadmium effects on the auditory system in cyprinid fishes. In the lab, fish were exposed for 96h to a range of cadmium concentrations. Both hearing sensitivity and hair cell morphology were quantified. While hair cell numbers were unaffected, cadmium caused an increase in auditory threshold, with a critical range for toxic cadmium effects estimated at 2.1-2.9ug/L. In the field, fish were collected along the Detroit River to assess if differences in cadmium effects exist between sites. No differences in hair cell number or hearing sensitivity were observed between field sites. The current study demonstrates sub-lethal effects of cadmium on fish sensory function while also pointing to the need for more careful interpretation of cadmium impacts on aquatic populations.
Author: Jennifer Sze-Chen Low
Language: English
Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2103719754