The effect of short-term Cu exposure on the oxygen consumption and Cu accumulation of mudfish (Labeo capensis) and the largemouth bass (Micropteris salmoides) in hard water

Abstract

Sediment samples from 3 dams near the gold-mining area in the Mooi River catchment, South Africa, and fish tissue from the mudfish ( Labeo capensis) and largemouth bass (Micropteris salmoides ) were analysed for Cu to assess environmental pollution. Copper concentrations of sediment samples in 50 mm deep profiles at Klerkskraal Dam (22.2 mg Cu·kg-1), Boskop Dam (14.1 mg Cu·kg-1) and Potchefstroom Dam (21.7 mg Cu·kg-1) and profiles 100 mm and 150 mm deep were above the risk assessment values for Cu, as implemented by the US EPA. Lowest Cu concentrations were found in gonads and blood samples in fish from both species in the 3 dams, but accumulated 3 to 5 times more, to 110.1±17.8 mg Cu·kg-1 dry mass in the liver. After 120 min Cu exposure at 20ºC to 10 mg Cu·ℓ-1 (157.3 mmol Cu·ℓ-1) and a 96 h Cu exposure to 1 mg Cu·ℓ-1 (15.73 mmol Cu·ℓ-1) Cu accumulated mainly in liver tissue and gills.

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