温州主要入海河流6种重金属的空间分布及风险评估

了解浙江温州地区主要入海河流重金属空间分布特征,合理评价研究区域水体重金属的潜在生态风险。在温州地区3条主要入海河流瓯江、飞云江和鳌江分析6种重金属的含量和空间分布,采用重金属污染指数法(HPI)和物种敏感性分布法(SSD)进行生态风险分析。Cu、Pb、Zn、Cd、Cr、As的浓度分别为12.46~1 830.01、2.94~372.79、19.58~435.04、0.06~0.79、14.11~192.98和1.59~63.95μg/L,平均值分别为801.68、73.80、168.61、0.26、81.06和23.53μg/L。HPI评估结果表明,O4、F2、A1和A2 4个站位重金属污染程度高,F1站位污染程度中等,O1、O2、O3和A3污染程度低;其中对水体重金属污染贡献程度较高的4种重金属分别为Cu、Pb、Cd和Cr。SSD风险评价结果表明,Cu、Zn、Cr和As在所有站位的表现均为高生态风险,Pb在O4和A2站位表现为高生态风险,说明这5种重金属对所在区域水生生物具有较高的潜在危害。2种方法从不同角度对重金属的潜在生态风险进行了评价,能有效规避单一评价方法的不足,互为补充。     

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。     

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.     

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。     

通州区河流沉积物重金属污染评价

为了解通州区河流沉积物重金属污染现状,保障区域水生态安全,采集了11条主要河流25个沉积物样品,测定了重金属Hg、As、Pb、Cr、Cd和Cu的含量,采用地累积指数法、潜在生态风险指数法对重金属污染程度及潜在生态风险进行了评价。结果表明:(1)全区沉积物重金属Hg、As、Pb、Cr、Cd、Cu平均含量为0.673、6.27、24.40、78.60、0.25、45.80 mg/kg,总体高于中国水系沉积物平均值;(2)全区重金属平均地累积指数为Hg(1.53)Cr(0.75)Cu(0.38)Cd(0.11)Pb(-0.77)As(-0.90),沉积物主要受Hg、Cr、Cu、Cd污染;北运河污染最为严重,主要来源于工业废水及城市污水的排放;(3)全区重金属平均潜在生态风险系数为Hg(336)Cd(63)Cu(12)As(9)Cr(5)≈Pb(5),Hg具有极强生态危害;通州全区潜在生态风险指数RI=430,其中北京城市副中心RI=633,重金属生态危害更为严重。研究结果能够为通州区的河流底泥治理及生态修复提供科学依据。     

黄河口附近海域表层沉积物重金属污染状况及年际变化分析

根据2006-2014年共5个航次在黄河口附近海域采集的150个调查站位的表层沉积物样品的监测结果,对沉积物中Hg、Cu、Pb、Cd、Cr、Zn和As共7种重金属元素的含量及年际变化趋势进行了分析,采用单因子标准指数法和潜在生态风险指数法对重金属污染状况和潜在生态风险程度进行了评价.结果显示,7种重金属的含量除2011年少数调查站位的Cu和Pb超过第一类标准外,其他调查站位的重金属含量均符合海洋沉积物质量第一类标准.重金属Hg和Cd的含量相当,其含量明显低于其他5种重金属元素.7种重金属含量的年际变化有所不同,年平均单因子标准指数均小于1,表明调查海域表层沉积物质量状况良好.7种重金属元素的年平均单因子标准指数排序为Cu＞Cr＞As＞Pb＞Cd＞Hg＞Zn;其中,Cu的标准指数值较高,近10年来其标准指数均值达0.61,应引起重视并加强例行监测;其他6种重金属元素的单因子标准指数均值均小于0.4.潜在生态风险评价结果显示,各航次7种重金属的平均潜在生态风险系数Eir均小于40,属于低生态风险水平;7种重金属近10年平均Eir排序为Hg＞Cd＞As＞Pb＞Cu＞Cr＞Zn;其中,Hg是该调查海域的主要潜在生态风险因子.综合潜在生态风险指数RI的年际变化范围为32.18-53.12,属于低生态风险水平;RI的年际变化趋势基本表现为先升高后降低、然后略微上升的趋势.     

海州湾海洋牧场重金属的空间分布及来源分析

为了解海州湾海洋牧场的环境状况，本研究采集了该区域20个站位的表层水体和沉积物样品，对海水和沉积物中的8种重金属元素（Cr、Ni、Cu、Zn、Pb、Cd、As和Hg）进行测定，并通过物种敏感性分布法、地累积指数法和潜在生态风险指数法评估海州湾海洋牧场的重金属污染及生态风险程度，最后结合PCA/APCS模型对沉积物重金属的可能来源进行定量分析讨论。旨在海洋污染防控和海水养殖绿色高质量发展提供科学依据。结果表明:（1）物种敏感度分布法评估结果显示，海水中的As具有高生态风险，Cd、Cu和Zn处于中度生态风险；（2）综合生态风险指数结果显示,海州湾海洋牧场沉积物中重金属处于中生态风险状态，主要受到Cd与Hg的影响；（3）由受体模型定量分析可知，海洋牧场重金属污染的潜在来源主要包括养殖中产生的污染、陆源排污及2009年以前的临河口排污，其中养殖中产生的污染对Cu、Zn、Ni、Pb和Cr的贡献率大于50%，陆源排污对As和Cd的贡献率分别为40%和82.85%,而Hg主要受2009年以前临河口排污的影响。     

珠江口表层沉积物中重金属污染及生态风险评价

研究珠江口表层沉积物中重金属的污染现状,为珠江口海域的生态环境保护提供科学依据。2015年1月和4月对珠江口水域18个采样站位进行了2次取样调查,测定了表层沉积物中6种重金属(Cr、Cd、Cu、Pb、Zn、Ni)含量,采用污染指数法、地质累积指数法和潜在生态危害指数法对重金属污染水平及潜在生态风险进行了评价。结果显示,珠江口表层沉积物中Cr、Cd、Cu、Pb、Zn的平均含量分别为114.70、0.80、58.73、80.01、191.57 mg/kg,均高于国家标准(GB 18668-2002)第一类沉积物质量标准限值,但未超过第二类标准值;Ni的平均含量为51.89 mg/kg。6种重金属的含量变化趋势基本一致,由北向南逐渐降低,西部站位的含量高于东部站位。评价结果显示,本次研究区域的沉积物环境已经受到一定程度的污染,其中Cd是目前珠江口表层沉积物中污染较严重的重金属污染物。     

天津渤海湾4种重金属的分布及生态风险评价

为了探究渤海湾近岸海域水体中重金属污染状况及其潜在生态风险,以天津渤海湾近岸海域为研究区域,共设置34个采样点,于2013年9月17-23日采集水样,分析表层水体中铜(Cu)、镉(Cd)、铅(Pb)和锌(Zn)4种常见重金属的空间分布特征及其潜在生态风险。结果表明,Cu、Cd、Pb和Zn的浓度分别为2.47~8.27μg/L、0.06~0.26μg/L、2.21~8.26μg/L和5.26~70.32μg/L,平均值分别为4.56μg/L、0.12μg/L、4.72μg/L和36.65μg/L。根据我国《海水水质标准》(GB3097-1997),4种重金属基本满足Ⅰ类或Ⅱ类海水水质标准;基于4种重金属的物种敏感性分布(species sensitivity distribution,SSD)曲线,分别获得相应的5%物种危害浓度(HC5),并采用风险熵(RQ)对4种金属的生态风险进行评价,发现研究区域表层水中存在生态风险的重金属为Cu和Zn,与之相比Cd和Pb的生态风险可以忽略不计。研究认为我国目前的《海水水质标准》低估了Cu和Zn对水生生物的影响,不能够满足对水生生物的保护需求,应引起足够的重视。     

珠江口重金属变化特征与生态评价

根据2002年5月和8月珠江口生态环境调查的数据,对水体和沉积物中重金属元素Cu、Pb、Zn、Cd的含量与变化特征进行分析讨论,并对研究海域的生态环境进行质量评价和生态危害性评价。结果表明,珠江口水体和表层沉积物中-6、48.9×10-6、153.3×Cu、Pb、Zn、Cd的平均含量分别是6.53μg/L、2.22μg/L、48.3μg/L、0.16μg/L和43.8×1010-6、0.82×10-6;沉积物对Cu、Pb、Zn、Cd的富集倍数平均在1.5～3.3。水体中Cu、Pb、Cd的含量在河口不同区段(上、下游)季节变化特征不同,这种变化与水体中Cu、Pb、Cd的存在形态、迁移转化过程有关;受水动力条件及冲淤特性的影响,表层沉积物中8月份Cu、Pb、Zn、Cd的含量高于5月份的含量。生态环境质量评价的结果表明,5月份珠江口水体处于中污染状况、沉积物属轻污染状况,8月份水体和沉积物分别为较清洁和中污染;对沉积物的生态危害评价显示,8月份沉积物重金属的潜在生态危害性高于5月份,Cd的潜在危害性高于Cu、Pb、Zn。     

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.     

Protein and amino acid composition from the mantle of juvenile O ctopus vulgaris exposed to prolonged starvation

Protein and amino acid composition of the mantle of juvenile O ctopus vulgaris (Cuvier, 1797) during fasting for 27 days were determined. Average protein content of octopus mantle was of 711.19 ± 46.80 g kg^?1 DW, and it decreased with increasing fasting days. The non‐essential amino acids content was higher (486.18 ± 11.08 g kg^?1 protein) than essential amino acids (425.82 ± 9.15 g kg^?1 protein) at the start of the experiment (unstarved animals). The results suggest that the amino acid profile of the mantle where the most abundant amino acids are Arg, His, Lys, Gly, Leu and Pro could indicate a prolonged fasting condition (>20 days) or poor nutrition of O . vulgaris. This study supports the idea of using mantle for metabolic needs of starved O . vulgaris suggesting that the degradation pathway of amino acids to pyruvate and tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates was favoured contrary to the degradation pathway of ketogenic amino acids. Special considerations should be taken concerning Thr, Ile, Ser, Ala, Asx (Asp, Asn), Glx (Glu, Gln) (because of their fast intake) and Lys and His (due to their stable contents) during a prolonged period of fasting.