夏季渤海中部表层沉积物重金属空间分布及污染评价

为了解渤海中部海域沉积物中重金属的污染状况,于2013年8月采集了渤海中部海域34个站点的表层沉积物,检测了Pb、Cd、Hg、Cu、Zn和As 6种重金属的含量,分析了Pb、Cd、Cu和Zn 4种重金属的空间分布特征,采用污染指数法和潜在生态风险评价法对其表层沉积物重金属污染状况进行评价。结果显示,渤海中部海域表层沉积物重金属含量较低,符合海洋沉积物质量(GB 18668-2002)Ⅰ类标准的要求。表层沉积物重金属的空间分布总体呈现由近岸向中心海域降低的趋势。Cu、Zn和Pb含量空间变化趋势比较明显,靠近渤海湾海域重金属含量高,离岸距离越远,重金属含量逐渐降低。Cd含量在靠近黄河入海海域最高,呈现自高值区向东西两边海域减小的趋势。各个站位的重金属单因子污染程度较轻,单因子污染系数均值大小顺序为PbCuZnAsCdHg;重金属综合污染指数都小于5,表现为低污染水平。除1号站位的Hg单因子潜在生态风险系数为54.44之外,其他站位表层沉积物Hg、As、Cu、Zn、Pb和Cd的单因子潜在生态风险系数Eir小于40,范围为0.39～38.80,风险程度由高到低依次为Hg、Cd、As、Pb、Cu和Zn;其综合潜在生态风险系数小于150,范围为16.39～79.57。其中,1号站位综合潜在生态风险系数最高达到79.57。研究表明,此海域属于低潜在生态风险水平,风险指数高值区出现在唐山大清河口海域。     

唐山附近海域春季表层沉积物重金属含量年际变化及污染评价

根据2006-2015年4个航次对唐山附近海域共70个采样站位的表层沉积物调查资料,分析了沉积物中Hg、Cu、Pb、Cd、Cr、Zn和As 7种重金属的含量和年际变化特征,并利用超标率统计法、地累积指数法和潜在生态风险指数法对其污染状况进行了评价.结果显示,调查海域表层沉积物中重金属含量总体水平较低,除个别站位的Cu和As超过第Ⅰ类标准值外,其他调查站位的重金属含量均符合第Ⅰ类标准.2006-2015年调查海域表层沉积物中7种重金属含量的年际变化略有不同,其中,Cu、Pb、Cd和Zn4种重金属含量相对比较稳定,Hg和Cr的含量表现为先升高后降低的趋势,而As的变化趋势不明显.地累积指数法评价结果显示,7种重金属的地累积指数(Igeo)多年平均值为Hg＞Cd＞Pb＞Cu＞As＞Cr＞Zn;而潜在生态风险评价结果显示,7种重金属的潜在生态风险系数(Eri)多年平均值为Hg＞Cd＞As＞Pb＞Cu＞Cr＞Zn;两种污染评价结果一致,均显示Hg是唐山附近海域表层沉积物的主要污染因子,潜在生态风险最大.综合潜在风险指数(RJ)年际变化范围为44.26-153.18,平均值为89.92,属于低生态风险水平;RI年际变化基本表现为先升高后降低的趋势,表明近年来调查海域表层沉积物重金属的污染状况有所改善.     

赤水河主要经济鱼类重金属含量及风险评价

为了解赤水河鱼体重金属富集现状及其潜在的生态风险和食品安全,测定了赤水河茅台江段和赤水江段的黄颡鱼(Pelteobagrus fulvidraco)、蛇鮈(Saurogobio dabryi)和大口鲇(Silurus meriordinalis)肌肉和肝脏中的重金属含量。分别使用电感耦合等离子体原子发射光谱法测定Cu、Zn、Pb、Cd、Fe、Cr和Mn的含量,原子荧光光度法测定As和Hg的含量。结果表明:大口鲇肌肉中Cu、Zn、Pb、Cd、Fe、Cr和Hg的含量高于黄颡鱼和蛇鮈,3种鱼类肝脏中的重金属含量均高于肌肉。所有鱼体肌肉中的重金属含量均低于国家标准,但大口鲇肌肉中Pb和Cd的含量高于欧盟委员会标准。危害指数分析表明:赤水河野生鱼类食用的人体健康风险较小。重金属单因子污染指数的结果表明赤水河鱼体Pb和Cd的污染程度较高,赤水河存在潜在的重金属污染风险。     

燕尾港近岸海域表层沉积物重金属的分布与污染评价

测定了燕尾港近岸海域表层沉积物中重金属的含量,运用地累积指数就其污染程度进行了分析与评价。结果表明Cu、Zn、Pb、Cd、Cr、As、Ni、Mn的平均含量分别为20．2,264,54．0,1．52,69．8,38．8,35．7,684 mg/kg。Cu、Zn、Pb、Cr、As的平均含量低于国家海洋沉积物质量标准的二级标准值,重金属Cd的平均值高于国家海洋沉积物质量标准的二级标准值;地累积指数评价结果表明,Cd在调查海域污染程度重,7种重金属的污染程度依次为Cd＞ As＞ Pb＞Zn＞Cr＞Ni＞Cu。对结果进行主成分分析和聚类分析后发现,前2个主成分的贡献率分别为62．41％、12．52％,表明此海域表层沉积物中重金属的主要来源是工业废水和农业灌溉水的排放及大气沉降。     

神农架大九湖两种鲤科鱼重金属污染状况分析

湖北神农架大九湖湿地是华中地区面积最大、海拔最高的高山湿地。为了解鱼类重金属污染状况,评估湿地水环境质量,以湖中两种常见鲤科鱼类鲫(Carassius auratus)和麦穗鱼(Pseudorasbora parva)为研究对象,共采集鲫32尾、麦穗鱼75尾,对两种鱼类的肌肉及鲫不同部位的锌(Zn)、铜(Cu)、镉(Cd)、铬(Cr)、铅(Pb)、砷(As)、汞(Hg)重金属含量进行检测和分析,并采用单因子污染指数法和内梅罗综合污染指数法评价鱼体重金属污染状况。结果表明,大九湖麦穗鱼肌肉(湿重)中的Zn、Cd、Cr、Hg含量(22.441、0.035、0.210、0.109 mg/kg)均显著高于鲫肌肉(湿重)中相应的含量(16.240、0.008、0.072、0.082 mg/kg)(P0.05)。综合污染指数分析表明,麦穗鱼肌肉的综合污染水平为轻度污染,鲫为无污染。与国内其他地区水域相比,大九湖鲫肌肉的Hg含量相对较高,这与大九湖独特的高山湿地环境有关。鲫的鱼鳃、消化道、生殖腺和肌肉中的重金属含量差异明显(P0.05),其中Hg在肌肉中含量最高,其余重金属均在消化道中含量最高。大九湖鲫和麦穗鱼肌肉As含量(0.135 mg/kg和0.153 mg/kg)均超出食品安全国家标准,但估算得出当地成人重金属摄入量均未超过国际规定的可耐受摄入量(PTWI),两种鱼的食用安全风险总体较低。     

华南沿海牡蛎重金属含量特征及其风险评估

根据2009年对华南沿海部分海域的近江牡蛎和太平洋牡蛎的监测数据,对产品中重金属元素Cd、Cu、Pb、As、Hg和Zn的含量水平、分布与变化特征进行了分析讨论;采用点评估方法,计算Cd、Cu、Pb、As、Hg和Zn的膳食暴露量,对牡蛎产品的食用安全性进行风险评估。结果表明,调查海域牡蛎样品中Cu、Zn、Cd的含量较高,其值分别为92.0、268、1.32 mg/kg(湿重,下同);Hg、As、Pb的含量低,其值分别为9.21、0.11、0.26 mg/kg。不同海域、不同养殖季节的牡蛎产品中重金属元素的含量具有明显的差异。与无公害水产品质量标准的限量值相比,调查海域牡蛎产品中Cu、Zn、Pb、Hg、As的含量符合产品质量标准,Cd的含量超过产品限量标准值。由于元素间的相互作用,牡蛎产品Zn的含量高、Cd的含量低,Zn的可利用性阻止对Cd的吸收,牡蛎产品中的Cd不会对健康造成危害。风险评估的结果显示,每周食用适量的牡蛎,重金属的膳食摄入量低于世界卫生组织/联合国粮食和农业组织的食品添加剂联合专家委员会(JECFA)推荐的暂定每周耐受摄入量,处于安全范围内。     

秦皇岛近岸海水和沉积物中 重金属的含量分布及生态风险评价

对秦皇岛海域46个站位的海水和表层沉积物中Cu、Pb、Zn、Cd、Hg、As的含量进行了分析。海水中Cu、Cd、As含量在第一类海水水质标准范围内波动,部分站位Pb、Zn、Hg含量超过第一类海水水质标准,符合第二类海水水质标准,调查海域北部海水重金属综合污染指数略高,各季节综合污染指数比较稳定,海水没有受到重金属污染。表层沉积物中重金属全部符合第一类海洋沉积物质量标准,重金属潜在生态危害指数高的区域主要位于戴河口以北的近岸海域,6种重金属潜在生态危害由大到小依次为Hg>Cd>As>Cu>Pb>Zn,调查海区表层沉积物没有受到重金属污染,多种重金属总的潜在生态危害程度低。     

滨州浅海沉积物中重金属的分布及潜在生态风险评价

2012年夏季(8月)利用QNC6-1型挖泥斗采样,监测山东滨州浅海11个站位表层沉积物中Zn、Cr、Cd、Cu、Pb、Hg和As 7种重金属的含量,应用Hakanson潜在生态危害指数法评价沉积物中重金属的污染现状和潜在生态风险。结果表明:调查区域沉积物中Zn、Cr、Cd、Cu、Pb、Hg和As的含量范围分别为19.80-63.70mg/kg、27.90~38.70mg/kg、0.138~0.192mg/kg、23.10~29.50mg/kg、8.75~17.20mg/kg、0.0221~0.0384mg/kg,和8.29~10.70mg/kg,平均含量分别为(52.15±12.03)mg/kg、(32.83±3.14)mg/kg、(0.16±0.02)mg/kg、(26.50±2.11)mg/kg、(13.94±2.87)mg/kg、(0.03±0.01)mg/kg和(8.90±0.66)mg/kg;沉积物中主要潜在重金属污染因子是Cd和Cu,重金属影响因子的顺序由强至弱依次为:CdCuPbZnAsCrHg;重金属综合污染指数表明,该海域环境质量总体以低污染为主;各种重金属的潜在生态危害系数由大至小依次为:CdAsCuHgPbCrZn,Cd为潜在生态风险因子;潜在生态风险指数平均值为(57.36±4.14),属于低潜在生态风险,表明目前滨州浅海沉积物中重金属潜在生态风险水平较低。     

长春市市售9种鱼类中重金属含量分析及健康风险评价

为了解长春市居民日常消费的9种鱼类的重金属污染水平并评估其健康风险,利用电感耦合等离子体原子发射光谱仪(ICP-OES)法对长春市出售的鲫(Carassius carassius)、鲤(Cyprinus carpio)和草鱼(Ctenopharyngodon idellus)等9种鱼类中的Pb、Cd、Cr、Zn和Cu 5种重金属进行了检测。采用单因子污染指数法(Pi)、综合污染指数法(MPI)和目标危险系数法(THQ)对其污染程度及食用健康风险进行评价。Pi指数表明:Cu、Cd、Cr在各种鱼类中均未出现超标现象,而9种鱼类肌肉中Pb均呈现不同程度的污染,乌鳢(Channa argus)、鲶(Loricariidae)和黄颡鱼(Pseudobagrus fulvidraco)肌肉中的Pb呈重污染水平。MPI结果显示:不同食性鱼类重金属富集程度有差异,肉食性和杂食性鱼类重金属污染水平高于草食性鱼类。鱼类的单一和复合重金属健康风险指数均小于1,长春市市售鱼类食用安全性较好,对人群健康风险不明显。     

南四湖表层沉积物重金属的空间分布、来源及污染评价

为研究南四湖表层沉积物中重金属含量、分布与污染特征,采集了29个表层沉积物站点并测定了8种重金属含量。采用主成分、相关分析、聚类分析法分析了重金属来源,同时运用地累积指数法和潜在生态风险指数法综合评价了南四湖沉积物中重金属的污染现状和潜在生态风险。结果表明,（1）南四湖表层沉积物中,As、Hg、Pb、Cr、Cd、Cu、Zn、Ni的平均含量分别为14.41、0.048、25.69、71.10、0.22、30.14、87.55、35.33mg/kg,其中As、Hg、Pb、Cd均超过环境背景值,在空间上表现出上级湖高,下级湖低的分布特征;（2）相关性分析、主成分以及聚类分析显示,Pb、Cr、Cu、Zn、Ni具有同源性,为自然源元素;As和Cr具有同源性,为人为源元素;Hg元素主要来源与其他几种重金属不同,受自然地质背景与人类活动的双重影响。③地累积指数法评价结果表明,南四湖沉积物重金属元素的污染程度：Hg＞Cd＞As＞Pb＞Cr＞Zn＞Ni＞Cu,Hg、Cd、As、Pb已处于无污染-中度污染程度,而其它元素无污染。④潜在生态指数法研究结果表明,南四湖表层沉积物单项重金属生态风险程度顺序为：Hg＞Cd＞As＞Pb＞Ni＞Cu＞Zn＞Cr,Hg、Cd具有较高的生态风险等级,为主要的生态风险贡献因子,其它7种重金属元素均为低生态风险等级。综合分析可见,Hg、Cd、As、Pb为南四湖表层沉积物主要重金属污染元素,各湖区沉积物污染程度由高至低依次为：南阳湖＞独山湖＞微山湖＞昭阳湖。     

Association between the interannual variation in the oceanic environment and catch rates of bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus) in the Atlantic Ocean

The environmental processes associated with variability in the catch rates of bigeye tuna in the Atlantic Ocean are largely unexplored. This study used generalized additive models (GAMs) fitted to Taiwanese longline fishery data from 1990 to 2009 and investigated the association between environmental variables and catch rates to identify the processes influencing bigeye tuna distribution in the Atlantic Ocean. The present findings reveal that the year (temporal factor), latitude and longitude (spatial factors), and major regular longline target species of albacore catches are significant for the standardization of bigeye tuna catch rates in the Atlantic Ocean. The standardized catch rates and distribution of bigeye tuna were found to be related to environmental and climatic variation. The model selection processes showed that the selected GAMs explained 70% of the cumulative deviance in the entire Atlantic Ocean. Regarding environmental factors, the depth of the 20 degree isotherm (D20) substantially contributed to the explained deviance; other important factors were sea surface temperature (SST) and sea surface height deviation (SSHD). The potential fishing grounds were observed with SSTs of 22–28°C, a D20 shallower than 150 m and negative SSHDs in the Atlantic Ocean. The higher predicted catch rates were increased in the positive northern tropical Atlantic and negative North Atlantic Oscillation events with a higher SST and shallow D20, suggesting that climatic oscillations affect the population abundance and distribution of bigeye tuna.     

Growth performance,digestive enzyme activity and immune response of Japanese sea bass,Lateolabrax japonicus fed with fructooligosaccharide

In this experiment, a feeding trial was performed to determine the effects of fructooligosaccharide (FOS) on growth performance, digestive enzyme activity and immune response of Japanese sea bass, Lateolabrax japonicus juveniles (initial weight 38.3 ± 0.5 g), and the fish were examined following feeding with six levels of FOS (0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4 and 6 g/kg) for 28 days. Significant enhancement of weight gain (WG) and specific growth rate (SGR) was found in fish fed 1 g/kg FOS incorporated diets (p < .05), while the feed conversion ratio (FCR) in the 1, 2 g/kg FOS groups reduced significantly compared with the control (p < .05). Besides, the crude lipid in the 4, 6 g/kg FOS groups increased significantly compared with the control (p < .05). On the other hand, the erepsin and lipase activities significantly elevated in intestine of fish fed 2 g/kg FOS (p < .05) and the lysozyme activity in serum of fish fed 2 g/kg FOS were significantly higher than that in the control (p < .05). Moreover, the alkaline phosphatase activities in serum of fish fed 0.5, 1, 2 g/kg FOS were significantly higher than in control (p < .05). Regression analysis showed that the relationships between dietary FOS levels and either SGR, FCR, erepsin or lysozyme activities were best expressed by regression equations, and the optimal inclusion levels are 1.37, 1.80, 3.06, 3.11, 1.93 and 1.80 g/kg for SGR, FCR, erepsin, lipase, lysozyme and total superoxide dismutase activities, respectively. Overall, this study revealed that FOS incorporated diets could beneficial for L. japonicus culture in terms of increasing the growth, digestion and immune activities. Under the present experimental condition, the optimal supplementary level of FOS in the diet of L. japonicus is 1–3 g/kg.     

Involvement of gonadal steroids in final oocyte maturation of white perch (Morone americana) and white bass (M. chrysops): in vivo and in vitro studies

Plasma estradiol-17 (E₂), testosterone (T), 17,20-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (DHP) and 17,20,21-tri-hydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (20-S) levels were measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA) in white perch (Morone americana) and white bass (M. chrysops) that were induced to undergo final oocyte maturation (FOM) with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Plasma DHP levels increased in females of both species in association with oocyte germinal vesicle migration (GVM) and germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) and decreased thereafter. Plasma 20-S levels also increased with oocyte GVM in white bass, but were several-fold lower than DHP levels. Circulating E₂ and T levels were greatest during GVM and GVBD in both species and decreased to low levels during oocyte hydration and ovulation. Follicles from white perch and white bass which received a priming injection of hCG in vivo, produced both DHP and 20-S in vitro after exposure to hCG and their oocytes underwent GVBD. Ovarian incubates from unprimed fish of either species produced only E₂ and T and their oocytes did not complete GVBD. Oocytes from unprimed bass, but not perch, matured when follicles were exposed to hCG in vitro. Both trilostane and cycloheximide blocked in vitro production of DHP and 20-S and oocyte GVBD by white perch follices. DHP and 20-S were equipotent inducers of FOM in the GVBD bioassay. None of several other structurally-related steroids tested were effective within a physiological range of concentrations. These results indicate a role for DHP and 20-S in the control of FOM in white perch and white bass.     

Cardiac,ventilatory and metabolic responses of two ecologically dissimilar species of fish to waterborne cyanide

Changes in heart rate, ventilatory activity and oxygen consumption were determined in trout (Salmo gairdneri) and brown bullhead catfish (Ictalurus nebulosus) during exposure to a steadily increasing concentration of waterborne cyanide selected to produce death in 8–9 hours for each species. The lethal cyanide concentration for the bullheads was an order of magnitude higher than for trout. Trout developed an immediate and gradually increasing bradycardia throughout the exposure period. Cyanide produced tachycardia in the bullhead followed by a gradual onset of bradycardia as the concentration of cyanide was raised. Pericardial injection of atropine (a muscarinic cholinergic antagonist) indicated that bradycardia in the trout was due initially to increased vagal tone but later due to the direct effect of cyanide on the heart. Hyperventilation in the trout persisted throughout the exposure period, although the rate and amplitude fluctuated and was variable between individual fish. During the last hour of exposure (highest cyanide concentration), ventilation was characterized by rapid, shallow breaths followed by a sudden respiratory arrest. The bullheads exhibited hyperventilation during the first 3 hours of exposure followed by a gradual, linear drop in ventilation rate and amplitude until death occurred. Cardiac and ventilatory responses in both species were attributed to stimulation of central and peripheral chemoreceptors by cyanide. Evidence is presented which suggests the initial response in the bullheads was due, at least in part, to gustatory stimulation by the cyanide. Oxygen consumption of the trout remained above pre-exposure levels for the majority of the test period. Oxygen consumption in the bullhead paralleled the changes in heart and ventilatory rates. Whole-body lactate levels of fingerlings of both species during cyanide exposure were measured to estimate the extent of anaerobiosis. Whole-body lactate levels were much greater in the bullheads than the trout, indicating a higher capacity for anaerobiosis, possibly due to a greater fuel supply. Overall, the trout responded to cyanide in a manner similar to that produced by environmental hypoxia whereas the bullheads experienced a gustatory stimulus which masked the hypoxia-like response.     

An overview of stress physiology of fish transport: changes in water quality as a function of transport duration

This study brings an integrated analysis about the relationship between water deterioration and its physiological consequences in live fish transport. The analysis was focused on the transport water and its deterioration, and physiological challenges imposed on the fish. Usual commercial handling procedures employed to mitigate fish stress during transport were discussed. Future topics of research for the establishment of safer fish transport protocols were proposed. Transport was classified into short (≤8 h) or long transport (>8 h). The main issue in short transports should be the prevention of water pH reduction, while in long transports it is the increase in ammonia. Plasma cortisol is the most employed marker for stress and is acutely elevated upon short episodes of transport, but remains elevated even in long‐transport events. Plasma glucose is perhaps a better marker for handling stress. Plasma lactate, pH, osmolality CO₂ and ions should be more often evaluated. Plasma Na⁺ and Cl^‐ are very useful markers of acidosis, due to their respective exchange for H⁺ and , for acid–base regulation. The establishment of species‐specific transport protocols should be preceded by such combined analyses of water and physiological parameters.     

Are hatchery‐reared abalone naïve of predators? Comparing the behaviours of wild and hatchery‐reared northern abalone,Haliotis kamtschatkana (Jonas, 1845)

Abalone populations have declined worldwide, generating interest in enhancement using hatchery‐reared individuals. In many cases, such restoration efforts have met with limited success due to high predator‐induced mortality rates. Furthermore, the mortality rates of outplanted hatchery abalone are often considerably higher than for wild individuals. This study uses northern abalone (Haliotis kamtschatkana) as a case study to determine whether hatchery‐reared abalone behave differently than their wild counterparts. In the field, outplanted hatchery‐reared abalone were significantly less responsive than wild abalone, in terms of number of abalone responding and intensity of response, to nearby movement and to physical contact with an inert probe. Also, when encountering a cue to which all abalone responded (a seastar predator), hatchery‐reared individuals remained subdued. Anti‐predator behavioural deficits in hatchery‐reared abalone were more pronounced in 4‐year‐old individuals than in 1‐year‐old individuals, suggesting an influence of either age or amount of time spent in the hatchery environment. These behavioural differences are expected to increase the vulnerability of hatchery‐reared abalone to predators, and are likely a major cause of their elevated predator‐induced mortality when outplanted.     

Effects of cadmium on the kinetics of calcium uptake in developing tilapia larvae, Oreochromis mossambicus

The toxic effects of Cd²⁺ on Ca²⁺ influx kinetics in developing tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) larvae were evaluated. Addition of 20 µg l^-1 of Cd²⁺ to the environment of 0 and 3 day-old larvae competitively inhibited the Ca²⁺ uptake within 4h resulting in a great increase in K_m values for Ca²⁺ influx (19.3 and 17.4 fold, respectively) as compared with their respective controls. Consequently, the actual Ca²⁺ influx of larvae in solutions of 0.2 mM Ca²⁺ are suppressed by 32–45%. Also, 3 day-old larvae were more sensitive to internally accumulated Cd²⁺ than 0 day-old larvae. Although the Ca²⁺ influx in 0 and 3 day-old larvae may be restored to the levels of their respective controls with 24h of being transferred to a 20 µg l^-1 Cd²⁺ solution, total body Ca²⁺ content was significantly reduced in 3 day-old larvae. Increased Ca²⁺ uptake efficiency ensures sufficient Ca²⁺ for normal growth. However, rapid increase in Ca²⁺ influx after hatching also leads to higher Cd²⁺ uptake. Exposure to Cd²⁺ will lead to a drop in body Ca²⁺ content resulting in retardation of larval growth. Therefore, we conclude that if Ca²⁺ uptake is interfered with at this critical stage of development, larvae will not be able to maintain normal levels of body Ca²⁺ and will show signs of Cd²⁺ poisoning.     

Migratory dynamics of stream-spawning longnose gar (Lepisosteus osseus)

Abstract– Literature evidence suggests that lake-dwelling longnose gar (Lepisosteus osseus) enter tributary streams to spawn, Until the present study, the dynamics of this breeding migration had never been investigated quantitatively. During the summers of 1991 and 1992, longnose gar were captured as they entered Weaubleau Creek, Missouri, a tributary of Harry S. Truman Reservoir. The in-stream spawning migration began in early April and ended in late May, and was positively correlated with stream flow and water level, and negatively correlated with water temperature. In-stream residence times ranged from 15 to 94 days, with males exhibiting longer residence times than females. Once in-stream, longnose gar travelled as far as 10 km upstream and occupied certain pools at greater relative frequencies. Although the reason for this preferential utilization is not completely understood, it may relate to pool depth and riffle proximity. Longnose gar disperse from the spawning stream great distances, with gar captured in Weaubleau Creek being recaptured up to 48 km away. This information should provide fisheries biologists the means to consider the reproductive ecology of this species in their conservation and management decisions.     

Nutritional regulation of hepatocyte fatty acid desaturation and polyunsaturated fatty acid composition in zebrafish (Danio rerio) and tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

The desaturation and elongation of [1-¹⁴C]18:3n-3 was investigated in hepatocytes of the tropical warm freshwater species, zebrafish (Danio rerio) and Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). The hepatocyte fatty acid desaturation/elongation pathway was assayed before and after the fish were fed two experimental diets, a control diet containing fish oil (FO) and a diet containing vegetable oil (VO; a blend of olive, linseed and high oleic acid sunflower oils) for 10 weeks. The VO diet was formulated to provide 1% each of 18:2n-6 and 18:3n-3, and so satisfy the possible EFA requirements of zebrafish and tilapia. At the end of the dietary trial, the lipid and fatty acid composition was determined in whole zebrafish, and liver, white muscle and brain of tilapia. Both zebrafish and tilapia expressed a hepatocyte fatty acid desaturation/elongation pattern consistent with them being freshwater and planktonivorous fish. The data also showed that hepatic fatty acid desaturation/elongation was nutritionally regulated with the activities being higher in fish fed the VO diet compared to fish fed the FO diet. In zebrafish, the main effect of the VO diet was increased fatty acid Δ6 desaturase activity resulting in the production of significantly more 18:4n-3 compared to fish fed the FO diet. In tilapia, all activities in the pathway were greater in fish fed the VO diet resulting in increased amounts of all fatty acids in the pathway, but primarily eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6n-3). However, the fatty acid compositional data indicated that despite increased activity, desaturation of 18:3n-3 was insufficient to maintain tissue proportions of EPA and DHA in fish fed the VO diet at the same level as in fish fed the FO diet. Practically, these results indicate that manipulation of tilapia diets in commercial culture in response to the declining global fish oil market would have important consequences for fish fatty acid composition and the health of consumers. Scientifically, zebrafish and tilapia, both the subject of active genome mapping projects, could be useful models for studies of lipid and fatty acid metabolism at a molecular biological and genetic level. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Production of diatom–bacteria biofilm isolated from Seriola lalandi cultures for aquaculture application

Controlled incorporation of selected microalgae and bacteria in aquaculture systems can be beneficial because they can act as microbiological control. That is why the characteristics of biofilm generated naturally in Seriola lalandi culture cages were analysed, their potential benefit to the growth of larvae was studied, and their controlled use for improving the larval viability and as a vector to improve incorporation of previously studied probiotic bacteria was tested. According to biodiversity results, these biofilms are composed of a diatom–bacteria mix showing a decrease in biodiversity in laboratory culture conditions being dominated by Navicula phyllepta and bacteria of the family Rhodobacteraceae. This can be produced on mesh substrates incorporated in bioreactors with rapid growth rate and adhesiveness. Preliminary results from the addition of substrates with this specific biofilm in larvae culture systems showed that it is consumed by the larvae without negative effects, while positive effects on the viability of larvae in combination with probiotics were observed. Considering preliminary results, the addition of these specific substrates with diatom–bacteria biofilms could be a good improvement for aquaculture systems and together with the use of probiotics can contribute to maintaining a stable and controlled system improving the viability of the larval fish culture in its early stages.