汉丰湖富营养化综合评价与水环境容量分析

2012、2013年季节性监测了汉丰湖水体理化指标,采用综合营养状态指数法对其富营养化状态进行了评价,采用沃伦威德尔模型(Vollenweider)和狄龙模型(Dillon)计算了化学需氧量、总氮、总磷的水环境容量。结果表明:汉丰湖水质总体处于地表水Ⅱ类~Ⅳ类标准,TN 0.76~2.24 mg/L、平均1.41 mg/L,NH3-N 0.17~0.95 mg/L、平均0.41 mg/L,TP 0.010~0.106 mg/L、平均0.069 mg/L,CODMn2.34~14.60 mg/L、平均4.22 mg/L。东河区域水质优于小江干流、南河区域,秋季污染程度最轻;汉丰湖水体营养状态介于中营养到轻度富营养型,其中南河区域的营养程度相对较高;从单个评价因子看,总氮的营养状态最高,持续处于轻度、中度至重度富营养状态。汉丰湖化学需氧量、总氮、总磷水环境容量分别为37 335、109.1和1 643.84 t/a,为达到汉丰湖水功能区划Ⅱ类水的管理目标,总氮、总磷削减率分别为38%和56%。     

三峡库区笋溪河流域水质评价及其空间差异

为了解三峡水库库尾地区面源污染现状,以重庆市江津区笋溪河流域为研究对象,利用综合水质识别指数、内梅罗指数和主成分分析方法对笋溪河水质进行评价,主要评价指标有水温、pH、电导率、溶解氧、化学需氧量、总氮和总磷。结果表明:(1)笋溪河流域溶解氧为5.98～8.70 mg/L、化学需氧量为2～14 mg/L,总磷为0.008～0.105 mg/L,均处于Ⅰ类或Ⅱ类水质,总氮为0.64～2.03 mg/L,处于Ⅲ～Ⅴ类水质,污染严重。(2)3种水质评价方法均显示下游水质劣于上游水质,内梅罗指数在考虑平均超标水平的同时兼顾最大超标污染物,研究认为该指数的评价结果最能表现该地区的水质现状。(3)笋溪河上下游之间,溶解氧为上游显著高于下游,水温、pH、电导率、化学需氧量和总氮均为下游显著高于上游(P0.05),总磷浓度未发现有明显的差异(P0.05)。在后续管理中应提升城镇污水和农村污水的处理率,提高水肥利用率,以消减污染负荷、控制水污染趋势,从而改善区域水环境质量。     

贡湖水源地水体营养状态评价及富营养化防治对策

于2008-2009年对太湖贡湖水源地金墅港、田鸡港、龙塘港等3条主要河道的水质及大型水生植物进行了季节性野外调查,并对该区3月和6月的浮游植物进行调查。水质调查结果表明,贡湖水源地河流水体富营养化风险较大,主要污染指标为总氮和总磷,全年TN平均浓度为3.094mg/L,TP平均浓度为0.112mg/L。以叶绿素a、总氮、总磷、高锰酸盐指数和透明度为主,并结合浮游植物指标,利用综合营养状态指数法对不同季节水质营养状况进行评价,春季（3月）和夏季（6月）水源地均处于富营养化状态,其中春季达到中度富营养化[L     

东圳水库水质模拟预测及污染物总量控制研究

研究东圳水库水质变化趋势,计算工程实施后的污染物削减量,为水质保护提供依据。利用SMS模型基于二维不可压缩流体运动方程,建立东圳水库水域二维水流水质数学模型,采用有限单元法,模拟预测东圳水库水环境状况,主要水质分析指标为高锰酸盐指数、氨氮、总氮和总磷。预测结果表明,按目前污染物排放状况,2018年东圳水库水体中污染物含量为氨氮0.14~0.21 mg/L(II类水质)、COD 3.3~3.9 mg/L(III类水质)、总磷0.052~0.062 mg/L(IV类水质),总氮1.1~1.6 mg/L(IV类水质)。实施社会经济调控、污染源防治和生态保育工程后,2018年,预计东圳水库高锰酸盐指数、氨氮、总氮和总磷共排放1 616.6、163.7、1 182.4和155.5 t/a,分别削减了1 501.8、439.9、756.4和105.2 t/a;总氮0.4~0.8 mg/L、总磷0.022~0.032 mg/L,降幅均达到50%以上,达III类水质标准;COD 2.0~3.0 mg/L、氨氮0.11~0.18 mg/L,达到II类水质标准。提出的实施方案对保护东圳水库的水质具有建设性意义,水体水质目标可达。     

2010年夏秋季节海河干流水质现状分析

2010年5月至9月,通过对海河干流9个站位水环境质量的监测,并对监测结果进行分析研究。结果表明：海河干流污染物中前三位依次为总磷（TP）、总氮（TN）及高锰酸盐指数（CODMn）。水环境质量在时间变化趋势上5月要好于7月和9月,综合营养状态指数（TLI）评价与水环境质量分析结论相一致,海河干流处于中营养水平。此外,空间变化趋势来看海河干流下游要好于中上游。     

淀山湖浮游植物群落结构特征及水生态健康评价

淀山湖是黄浦江上游重要的饮用水源地保护区和生态涵养区。为评估淀山湖水生态健康状况,本文依据2013年、2016年、2019年和2022年的6月和9月生态调查资料,研究了淀山湖夏初、秋初浮游植物的种类组成、数量和多样性等群落结构特点。调查期间共检出浮游植物7门80属169种,其中绿藻门占绝对优势,其次为硅藻门、蓝藻门和裸藻门,甲藻门、隐藻门和金藻门种类数较少。在数量上以铜绿微囊藻（Microcystis aeruginosa）和尖尾蓝隐藻（Chroomonas acuta）的优势最明显,其中铜绿微囊藻是引起淀山湖水华的主要物种,且易在9月湖区的西南方引起蓝藻水华。6月和9月浮游植物密度变动范围分别为1.69～3.08×106 cells/L和1.31～128.67×106 cells/L,6月在湖区东北方的平均密度最高,9月在湖区西南方的平均密度最高。水华暴发年份（2016年和2019年）9月平均密度明显高于同年6月,水华未暴发年份（2013年和2022年）9月平均密度则低于同年6月。采用冗余分析（RDA）法研究浮游植物群落结构与环境因子的关系,结果显示水温、溶解氧、透明度、总磷、总氮和高锰酸盐指数等是主要环境影响因子,且水华暴发年份与水华未暴发年份水温、溶解氧、透明度、总磷和总氮等对浮游植物群落的影响存在一定差异;浮游植物群落主要受磷营养限制,其物种数量、密度及优势种主要受水温影响。采用不同指数法评价水质,发现Shannon-Wiener指数和Pielou指数对淀山湖蓝藻水华的指示比综合营养状态指数更灵敏。根据湖区出现的主要优势种均为富营养水体指示物种,以及生物多样性指数、均匀度指数和综合营养状态指数值,可以判断淀山湖夏秋季水体总体上处于轻-中度富营养化水平,且呈轻污染程度。     

南水北调东线南四湖渔业水域水质状况分析

为掌握南水北调东线南四湖的水质现状，于2021年对4个湖区7个站位进行了周年调查，并采用单因子分析和综合营养状态指数法对水质状况进行了评价。结果表明：南四湖水体氨氮和亚硝氮浓度分别为0.166±0.015mg/L和0.050±0.009mg/L,总氮、总磷和CODMn浓度分别为1.767±0.191mg/L、0.053±0.005mg/L和10.58±0.46mg/L并分别超地表水III类水质标准76.69%、6.76%和76.41%;综合营养状态指数介于46.78～66.16,南四湖总体为轻度富营养状态，但部分水域仍存在较重的富营养化问题。伴随南水北调东线的常态化调水及多种水质涵养措施的实施，南四湖水体的富营养状况有所转好，但在部分季节的部分区域仍存在富营养化风险。     

棋盘山水库水质现状及生态系统富营养化评价

2016年5月—2017年11月对棋盘山水库水质进行了8次采样调查,检测结果表明主要污染物为总氮。采用流域综合水质指数法对棋盘山水库总体水质状况进行评价,2016年流域水质指数为3.50,2017年流域水质指数为3.25,该水库以Ⅱ~Ⅲ类水质为主。采用湖泊(水库)富营养化评价方法对水库富营养化状况进行评价,棋盘山水库在2年内除2016年坝前南岸呈现中营养状态,其它均呈现轻度富营养状态。     

乌伦古湖水质变化及成因分析

2016年7月至2017年5月对乌伦古湖12个采样点(4个湖区)的水质进行了监测,分析了不同湖区的水质特征,并对比历史资料探究水质变化及成因。结果显示,乌伦古湖2016-2017年度年均矿化度为1.64 g/L、p H为8.70、透明度为1.90 m、水深为8.78 m、溶解氧为7.55 mg/L,总氮1.06 mg/L,总磷0.03 mg/L。与2006-2008年相比,年均矿化度由2.31 g/L降低到1.64 g/L,各湖区矿化度含量均降低,其中靠近额尔齐斯河引水的小海子(由1.97 g/L降至0.82 g/L)和接受吉力湖来水的中海子(由2.41 g/L降至1.60 g/L)矿化度降低最为明显;年均总氮含量由0.86 mg/L增加到1.06 mg/L,年均总磷含量稳定在0.03 mg/L左右,各湖区总氮、总磷含量除小海子降低外(总氮由0.83 mg/L降至0.72 mg/L;总磷由0.03 mg/L降至0.01 mg/L),其他各湖区含量保持稳定或升高,其中中海子升高最为明显(总氮由0.94 mg/L升至1.43 mg/L;总磷由0.03 mg/L升至0.05 mg/L)。研究表明,额尔齐斯河引水对于乌伦古湖水体矿化度、总氮及总磷均有稀释作用,吉力湖来水虽然对乌伦古湖水体矿化度也有稀释作用,但同时提高了总氮和总磷含量。     

典型湖泊边缘区丰水期营养状态及其影响因子研究—以蚌湖为例

为探讨影响典型湖泊边缘区藻类生长的主要水质因子,于2011年7月测定了蚌湖的叶绿素a含量,并对其分布特征及相关性进行分析。结果表明,叶绿素a(Chl.a)浓度的变化范围为0.55～1.56mg/m3,表现出一定的空间差异性,以入湖口处和湖尾区最大。总氮(TN)为0.699～2.596mg/L,以湖尾区最高;总磷(TP)浓度整体较低,最大值仅为0.0318mg/L;N/P浓度比均大于30,表明蚌湖为磷限制性湖泊。根据修正的卡尔森营养状态指数,丰水期蚌湖均处于贫-中营养水平,其中湖尾区条件最适宜藻类繁殖。由相关性分析结果可知,TN、TP、pH、COD和NO-3-N为藻类生长的主要影响因子;其中,Chl.a含量与COD呈显著正相关,一定浓度范围内的COD增长会促进藻类生长繁殖;不同于国内大多数淡水湖泊,Chl.a含量与pH值呈显著负相关,主要原因是蚌湖水体碱度较高,大部分区域pH值超过了藻类生长的最适范围。     

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.     

Metabolic responses of matrinxã, Brycon amazonicus (Spix & Agassiz, 1829), exposed to environmental nitrite

Nitrite is usually found in aquatic environments where nitrification process occurs. This ion can cause several injuries to aquatic species, particularly fish. Nitrite reacts with haemoglobin yielding the non‐functional methaemoglobin, which leads to many physiological consequences such as functional anaemia and supposed hypoxia. Metabolism of the freshwater teleost matrinxã, Brycon amazonicus, exposed to environmental 0.6 mg L^?1 of nitrite N‐NO₂^? for 96 h was studied, and the fermentative/oxidative preference was gauged. Concentrations of glycogen, glucose, lactate, pyruvate and ammonia, plus the activities of lactate, glutamate and malate dehydrogenase were assayed. The exposure resulted in a metabolic profile that allowed inferring the continuity of oxidative metabolism. Catabolism of amino acids prevailed or was apparently exacerbated by inferred branchial injury and consequent impairment of nitrogen excretion. Moreover, the studied enzymes glutamate dehydrogenase, lactate dehydrogenase and malate dehydrogenase from brain and heart were little affected by nitrite. The expected fermentative metabolism due to the high methaemoglobin formation was not observed.