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Impact of a short‐term exposure to tributyl phosphate on morphology, physiology and migratory behaviour of E uropean eels during the transition from freshwater to the marine environment
Author(s) -
Privitera Lucia,
Aarestrup Kim,
Moore Andy
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
ecology of freshwater fish
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.667
H-Index - 55
eISSN - 1600-0633
pISSN - 0906-6691
DOI - 10.1111/eff.12043
Subject(s) - fjord , environmental chemistry , sodium , chemistry , oceanography , environmental science , geology , organic chemistry
Abstract Migrating silver European eels were exposed for 5 days in a laboratory to an environmental level of tributyl phosphate ( TBP ), tagged with acoustic transmitters and released below the T ange hydropower station, on the R iver G udenaa, D enmark. The subsequent movements of the eels were monitored as they migrated through R anders F jord and into the K attegat S ea using an array of acoustic receivers. In laboratory‐based studies, exposure of eels for 5 days to a nominal concentration of 0.5 μg·l −1 TBP significantly affected plasma glucose concentration and reduced plasma levels of sodium and chloride both in freshwater and 3 days after transfer to saltwater. However, there were no mortalities when the eels were transferred to full strength sea water. Exposure to TBP did not appear to have a significant effect on the subsequent movements of the eels in the river or fjord. The eels moved rapidly through the fjord predominantly at night. The results of the study are discussed in relation to the impact of diffuse pollution on the behaviour and physiology of European eels.