Long-Term Sublethal Acid Exposure in Rainbow Trout (Salmo gairdneri) in Soft Water: Effects on Ion Exchanges and Blood Chemistry

Abstract

Long-term sublethal acid exposure (3 mo, pH 4.8) in adult rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) acclimated to artificial soft water (Ca2+ = 50, Na+ = 50, Cl− = 100 μeq∙L−1) caused transient net fosses of Na+ and Cl−. Net flux rates of both ions were returned to control levels after 30–52 d of acid exposure through a new equilibrium between unidirectional influx and efflux, where both were lower than control rates. K+ balance remained negative and Ca2+ balance at zero throughout the exposure. No changes in net acidic equivalent flux occurred, indicating the absence of acid–base disturbance, but ammonia excretion increased over time. Muscle K+, Na+, and Cl− fell and Ca2+ increased. Plasma Na+, Cl−, and osmolality decreased, while plasma protein, glucose, and blood hemoglobin increased during the first few weeks of acid exposure. Plasma K+ and Ca2+ did not change. General stabilization of plasma parameters occurred in concert with the stabilization of Na+ and Cl− flux rates, but no recovery to control levels was observed for any of them. We conclude that despite this stabilization at a new steady state, rainbow trout were physiologically affected in a deleterious manner by chronic sublethal acid exposure in soft water.