Heinz Body Hemolytic Anemia in Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) Exposed to Chlorinated Wastewater

Abstract

Fingerling coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) were exposed for 12 wk to various concentrations of treated wastewater containing total residual chlorine (TRCl2) with riverwater diluent under continuous flow conditions. Levels of TRCl2 averaging 0.003–0.05 mg/ℓ resulted in mild to pronounced symptoms of hemolytic anemia, including an increase in numbers of circulating immature erythrocytes, pathological changes in erythrocytes, and a reduction in packed cell volume and hemoglobin levels. In addition, Heinz bodies were formed at the 0.012 and 0.05 mg/ℓ TRCl2 levels. The hematologic changes were attributed to the oxidative nature of TRCl2.