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Lethal and sub-lethal effects of aluminium on a juvenile penaeid shrimp

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-20, 09:21 authored by Russell, A, MacFarlane, GR, Barbara NowakBarbara Nowak, Moltschaniwskyj, NA, Taylor, MD

Catchment degradation and exposure of acid sulphate soils can affect estuarine water quality, and this can have impacts on the health of estuarine species and adversely affect fishery productivity. In degraded catchments, aluminium (Al) is mobilised from clay minerals following oxidation of acid sulphate soils, and may be harmful to estuarine crustaceans. We tested the acute toxicity and sub-lethal effects of Al for School Prawn (Metapenaeus macleayi), through a series of experiments conducted under normal (pH 8) and acidic (pH 5) conditions. Experimental data were used to examine mortality. Also, histological examination of the gills and hepatopancreas was conducted to determine pathological consequences of exposure to these stressors. School Prawn did not experience mortality in response to acute exposure to Al under normal pH conditions, but mortality and tissue bioaccumulation of Al was greater under acidic conditions, suggesting an interactive effect of both stressors. Histology revealed sub-lethal effects of Al including structural abnormalities in the gills and hepatopancreas, and evidence of viral infection and immune response, particularly at lower pH and higher Al concentrations. These impacts may impede major vital functions such as respiration, osmotic regulation, metabolism and growth of juvenile School Prawn, which could contribute to productivity bottlenecks in degraded estuaries.

History

Publication title

Thalassas

Volume

35

Pagination

359-368

ISSN

0212-5919

Department/School

Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies

Publisher

Springer

Place of publication

Spain

Rights statement

crown Crown 2019

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Wild caught prawns

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