| 1. |
- Engstedt, Olof, 1980-, et al.
(author)
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Annual spawning migration of anadromous pike (Esox lucius L.) in streams entering the Baltic Sea
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Other publication (other academic/artistic)abstract
- The movement of pike (n = 3415) was investigated in four streams entering the Baltic Sea in the Kalmar Sound region, Sweden. Migration patterns were monitored during spawning in three of the streams and during the whole year in the forth stream using passive integrated transponders and outer tags. The study was conducted yearly between 2006 and 2010. Mature pike returned (22 – 45%) to the same streams year after year and some fish returned to the same regions of the streams. No incidence of fish visiting another stream than the one where they were marked was recorded and no fish missed the spawning season to return the next year. These results indicated that the reason for fish not returning was due to mortality. The proportions of returning fish indicated homing and the spawning ground fidelity (stream) was high. Return rates were influenced by size of fish, sex and stream identity. We also investigated if sex, size or individual behaviour influenced timing of arrival, departure or duration of stay in freshwater. Diurnal activity was examined in one year in each stream suggesting activity peaks in the morning and evening. The results show that pike in the Baltic Sea are anadromous and that the migration behavior is likely to create barriers for gene flow. The separation in populations by spawning are similar to salmonid species and the management of pike in the Baltic Sea must consider this process in strategies and plans of fishing.
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| 2. |
- Engstedt, Olof, et al.
(author)
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Assessment of natal origin of pike (Esox lucius) in the Baltic Sea using Sr:Ca in otoliths
- 2010
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In: Environmental Biology Of Fishes. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0378-1909 .- 1573-5133. ; 89:3-4, s. 547-555
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Spawning habitat of pike (Esox lucius) in the Baltic Sea include brackish water bays, brooks and rivers. Elevated salinity concentrations are one of several stressors that might increase the use and importance of freshwater habitats for spawning. In the Baltic Sea, one of the largest brackish seas in the world, freshwater species like pike, perch (Perca fluviatilis), whitefish (Coregonus sp), bream (Abramis brama), ide (Leuciscus idus), roach (Rutilus rutilus) and burbot (Lola iota) all undertake spawning migrations to freshwater. However, over the last decades populations densities of these species have declined, and recruitment failure has been argued to be at least part of the problem. The importance of brooks and rivers as spawning areas for these species have not been quantified and set in relation to spawning success in brackish bays. In this study, we collected 175 adult pike (Esox lucius) on their foraging grounds in the sea. Fish were collected in two regions on the Baltic coast, more than 600 km apart. Subsequently we determined their origin (freshwater or marine) using otolith chemistry. Sagittal otoliths were analysed for strontium using the PIXE-method. The results show that 80 of the 175 pike were recruited in freshwater, and several of the larger specimens showed reoccurring migration behaviour. Data show that freshwater is an important recruitment habitat for Baltic Sea pike, suggesting that habitat improvements in rivers entering the Baltic Sea might significantly contribute to population restoration.
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| 3. |
- Holmqvist, Niklas, et al.
(author)
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Lake trophic status and bioaccumulation of polychlorinated biphenyls in benthic organisms: a comparison between littoral and profundal invertebrates
- 2005
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In: Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences. - 1205-7533. ; 62:6, s. 1201-1209
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We investigated the influence of lake trophic status on accumulation of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in littoral and profundal invertebrates from 19 lakes in southern Sweden. The PCB concentration in profundal chironomids (Chironomus sp.) was negatively correlated with lake trophy but the concentration in littoral crayfish (Pacifasticus leniusculus) was unrelated to shifting nutrient regimes. PCB concentrations in chironomids were negatively correlated, while crayfish did not correlate with lake total phosphorus. Two findings indicate that different processes determine bioaccumulation in littoral and profundal invertebrates: (i) a lack of correlation between PCB concentrations in crayfish and chironomids within lakes and (ii) some differences in congener distribution in the two species. We suggest a possible explanation in that chironomids are directly exposed to settling material from the pelagic zone, while crayfish are omnivorous and feed mainly in the littoral zone. A intensive investigation on one pond population could not reveal any individual factors, such as lipid content, size, or sex, influencing bioaccumulation of PCBs in crayfish.
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| 4. |
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| 5. |
- Holmqvist, Niklas, et al.
(author)
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Low levels of persistent organic pollutants (POPS) in New Zealand eels reflect isolation from atmospheric sources
- 2006
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In: Environmental Pollution. - : Elsevier BV. - 0269-7491. ; 141:3, s. 532-538
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organic pesticides (i.e., DDTs) were measured in long finned eels (Anguilla dieffenbachii) in 17 streams on the west coast of South Island, New Zealand. Very low levels of PCBs and low levels of ppDDE were found. The concentrations of PCBs and ppDDE were not correlated within sites indicating that different processes determined the levels of the two pollutants in New Zealand eels. The PCBs probably originate from atmospheric transport, ppDDE levels are determined by land use and are higher in agriculture areas. The low contamination level of these aquatic systems seems to be a function of a low input from both long and short-range transport as well as few local point sources. No correlation could be found between lipid content and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) concentration (as shown in previous studies) in the eels which could be explained by low and irregular intake of the pollutants.
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| 6. |
- Holmqvist, Niklas, et al.
(author)
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Persistent organic pollutants (POP) in a benthic omnivore - A comparison between lake and stream crayfish populations
- 2007
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In: Chemosphere. - : Elsevier BV. - 1879-1298 .- 0045-6535. ; 66:6, s. 1070-1078
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We investigated the accumulation of PCB and DDT in crayfish populations in 10 streams in southern Sweden. The results were compared with an earlier study on crayfish in lakes from the same area. We found that the concentration of pollutants in crayfish did not differ between the two types of systems. Variation in body burden was higher in stream living crayfish probably because of the higher influence from pollutants deposited in the catchment area and the more dynamic transport in streams. In streams, pp'-DDE concentrations were positively correlated to trophic status (total phosphorous) while PCB did not show any correlation with the nutrient regime. Further, mean Sigma PCB and p,p'-DDE concentrations in crayfish did not correlate in streams. We suggest that the sources of the two pollutants differ for stream living crayfish. The results indicate that crayfish in streams are affected to a higher degree to pollutants in the catchment area and the precipitation regime. In lakes, internal processes govern uptake of pollutants in crayfish.
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| 7. |
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| 8. |
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| 9. |
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| 10. |
- Larsson, Per, et al.
(author)
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Heavy metals and stable isotopes in a benthic omnivore in a trophic gradient of lakes
- 2007
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In: Environmental Science & Technology. - : American Chemical Society (ACS). - 1520-5851 .- 0013-936X. ; 41:17, s. 5973-5979
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Heavy metals (Cd, Hg, and Pb) and stable isotopes (N-15, C-13) in crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) were studied in a trophic gradient of lakes (N = 19) in southern Sweden. Trophic indicators of the lakes as total phosphorus (tot-P) varied from 5 to 93 mu g/L. The examined lakes had no known point sources of heavy metals, but the catchment areas varied from mainly forested to agricultural land. Cd and Hg in crayfish were affected by the trophic status of the lakes, showing significant negative relationship with tot-P, total nitrogen, and chlorophyll A content and a positive relationship with lake transparency (Secchi depth). The concentration of these two heavy metals was thus higher in crayfish in the oligotrophic lakes and decreased linearly to the eutrophic ones. Pb was not related to any lake variable. Stable isotopes of carbon (delta C-13) and nitrogen (615N) in crayfish were a reflection of that found in the sediment as shown by positive linear relationships for the lakes. In the sediment of the lakes, delta C-13 signature showed significant negative relationships with the trophic indicators but positive results were shown for lake transparency. The trophic gradient of the lakes was reflected by delta C-13 in the sediment and in the crayfish. 615N in crayfish was a reflection of 615N in the sediment but the relationship was not coupled to the trophic statue of the lakes. The results from the study show that Cd and Hg in benthic omnivores as crayfish are affected by ecological processes in lakes, such as eutrophication. Stable isotopes, such as 13C and 15 N, can be used to study these ecological processes.
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| 11. |
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| 12. |
- Nilsson, Erika, et al.
(author)
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Facilitation and interference among three predators affect their consumption of a stream-dwelling mayfly
- 2006
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In: Freshwater Biology. - : Wiley. - 0046-5070 .- 1365-2427. ; 51:8, s. 1507-1514
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- 1. We experimentally tested if a multiplicative risk model accurately predicted the consumption of a common mayfly at risk of predation from three predator species in New Zealand streams. Deviations between model predictions and experimental observations were interpreted as indicators of ecologically important interactions between predators. 2. The predators included a drift-feeding fish [brown trout (T), Salmo trutta], a benthivorous fish [galaxiid (G), koaro, Galaxias brevipennis] and a benthic predatory stonefly (S; Stenoperla sp.) with Deleatidium sp. mayflies as prey. Eight treatments with all predator species combinations and a predator-free control were used. Experiments were performed in aquaria with cobbles as predator refuges for mayflies and we measured the proportion of prey consumed after 6 h for both day and night trials. 3. Trout consumed a higher proportion of prey than other predators. For the two predator treatments we found less than expected prey consumption in the galaxiid + trout treatment (G + T) for both day and night trials, whereas a higher than expected proportion of prey was consumed during night time in the stonefly + trout (S + T) treatment. 4. The results indicate interference (G + T) and facilitation (S + T) between predators depending on predator identity and time of day. Thus, to make accurate predictions of interspecific interactions, it is necessary to consider the ecology of individual species and how differences influence the direction and magnitude of interactions.
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| 13. |
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| 14. |
- Nyström, Per, et al.
(author)
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Crayfish in lakes and streams: individual and population responses to predation, productivity and substratum availability
- 2006
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In: Freshwater Biology. - : Wiley. - 0046-5070 .- 1365-2427. ; 51:11, s. 2096-2113
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- 1. In a correlative study, we investigated the relative importance of fish predation, refuge availability and resource supply in determining the abundance and size distributions of the introduced and omnivorous signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) in lakes and streams. Moreover, the biomass and food selection of predatory fish was estimated in each habitat type and stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen were measured in perch (Perca fluviatilis), the dominant predator in the lakes, and in its potential food sources (crayfish, juvenile roach and isopods). 2. In lakes, crayfish were the most frequent prey in large perch (46%), followed by other macroinvertebrates (26%, including the isopod Asellus aquaticus) and small fish (25%). Crayfish and fish dominated the gut contents of large perch with respect to biomass. Nitrogen signatures showed that perch were one trophic level above crayfish (approx. 3.4 parts per thousand) and a two-source mixing model using nitrogen isotope values indicated that crayfish (81%) contributed significantly more to perch isotope values than did juvenile roach (19%). A positive correlation was found between the abundance of crayfish and the biomass of large perch. Crayfish abundance in lakes was also positively correlated with the proportion of cobbles in the littoral zone. Lake productivity (chlorophyll a) was positively correlated with crayfish size, but not with crayfish abundance. 3. In streams, brown trout (Salmo trutta) were the most abundant predatory fish. Gut contents of large trout in a forested stream showed that terrestrial insects were the most frequently found prey (60%), followed by small crayfish (27%) and isopods (27%). In contrast to lakes, the relative abundance of crayfish was negatively correlated with the total biomass of predatory fish and with total biomass of trout. However, abundance of crayfish at sites with a low biomass of predatory fish varied considerably and was related to substratum grain size, with fewer crayfish being caught when the substratum was sandy or dominated by large boulders. The mean size of crayfish was greater at stream sites with a high standing stock of periphyton, but neither predator biomass nor substratum grain size was correlated with crayfish size. 4. Our results suggest that bottom-up processes influence crayfish size in lakes and streams independent of predator biomass and substratum availability. However, bottom-up processes do not influence crayfish abundance. Instead, substratum availability (lakes) and interactions between predation and substratum grain size (streams) need to be considered in order to predict crayfish abundance.
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| 15. |
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| 16. |
- Olsson, Karin, et al.
(author)
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Does natural acidity mediate interactions between introduced brown trout, native fish, crayfish and other invertebrates in West Coast New Zealand streams?
- 2006
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In: Biological Conservation. - : Elsevier BV. - 1873-2917 .- 0006-3207. ; 130:2, s. 255-267
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The presence of introduced brown trout (Salmo trutta) on the distribution of native crayfish (Paranephrops planifrons), native galaxiid fishes (Galaxias spp.) and invertebrate fauna was investigated in 18 West Coast New Zealand streams (8 with trout and 10 without trout) differing in chemical characteristics. Gut contents of trout, crayfish and eels were also examined to evaluate whether competition or predation could be linked to the patterns found. Abundances of crayfish and galaxiids were significantly lower in streams with trout, but in streams without trout, substrate size was one of the most important factors determining crayfish abundance. In contrast to crayfish, other macroinvertebrates were more abundant in trout streams than streams without trout and significantly more taxa were found in streams with trout. Macroinvertebrate abundance was related to environmental factors, such as pH, substrate, depth and total nitrogen. Gut content analysis showed an overlap in diet (mostly invertebrates) between trout and eels. Crayfish, however, had a more omnivorous diet where detritus was the most frequently occurring food material. Differences in chemical characteristics marked the streams with and without trout. Thus, trout were not present in streams with pH < 6.0. Crayfish and galaxiids were present in streams with pH ranging from 4.1 to 7.9, and those with pH < 6.0 may function as trout-free refuges where larger populations of these species may persist. However, other macroinvertebrate taxa may be more negatively affected by acidification than by trout. By protecting naturally acidic, brown water streams, New Zealand crayfish and galaxiid fish populations can be conserved within geographic areas where trout are present.
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| 17. |
- Olsson, Karin, et al.
(author)
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Invasions and niche width: does niche width of an introduced crayfish differ from a native crayfish?
- 2009
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In: Freshwater Biology. - : Wiley. - 0046-5070 .- 1365-2427. ; 54:8, s. 1731-1740
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- 1. Human activities have promoted the spread of species worldwide. Several crayfish species have been introduced into new areas, posing a threat to native crayfish and other biota. Invader success may depend on the ability to utilise a wide variety of habitats and resources. Successful invaders are generally expected to have broader niches and to be more plastic than non-invasive species. 2. Using stable isotope ratios of carbon and nitrogen we compared the niche widths of native noble crayfish and introduced signal crayfish, a successful invader of Swedish streams. The calculation of niche width took account of between-site differences in basal resource isotope signature ranges. We also assessed whether population density, prey biomass or prey diversity affected niche width. 3. At the species level, signal crayfish had twice the niche width of noble crayfish. However, individual populations of noble crayfish and signal crayfish in Swedish streams had similar niche widths. This suggests that signal crayfish has greater plasticity with respect to habitat utilisation and feeding than noble crayfish. Niche width in both species correlated positively with benthic invertebrate biomass and diversity, indicating that animal food sources are important for crayfish. 4. We find that assessing niche width in relation to invader success can be a useful tool trying to predict the impact of invasions on different scales. The findings in this study suggest that invaders and natives will have a similar impact on the stream scale whereas the invader will have a larger impact on the regional scale due to the ability to utilise a wider range of streams.
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| 18. |
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| 19. |
- Olsson, Karin, et al.
(author)
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The influence of food quality and availability on trophic position, carbon signature, and growth rate of an omnivorous crayfish
- 2008
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In: Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences. - 1205-7533. ; 65:10, s. 2293-2304
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Fourteen sites in 13 streams were surveyed to address the importance of food quality and quantity on trophic position, carbon signature, and growth rate of noble crayfish (Astacus astacus) by combining the analyses of gut content, stable isotopes, and RNA-DNA ratio. The gut content analysis showed an omnivorous feeding habit, but total animal food sources contributed more to the nitrogen and carbon isotope signals of this species. The biomass of invertebrates (i.e., high quality food) influenced the trophic position, carbon signature, and growth rate. Our results show that crayfish in streams with a high biomass of invertebrates were at a higher trophic position and had a higher growth rate than crayfish in streams with a low biomass of invertebrates. A high biomass of relatively sedentary invertebrates indicates a habitat with high algae biomass, which is reflected in the more autochthonous carbon signature of crayfish. Further, noble crayfish in temperate streams seem to have dual functional roles by acting as predator and as shredder by processing large amounts of detritus.
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| 20. |
- Persson, Karl-Johan, et al.
(author)
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Effects of the filamentous cyanobacterium Nodularia on fitness and feeding behavior of young-of-the-year (YOY) Eurasian perch (Perca fluviatilis)
- 2011
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In: Toxicon. - : Elsevier BV. - 0041-0101 .- 1879-3150. ; 57:7-8, s. 1033-1040
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- AbstractThis study reveals that both cyanobacterial toxicity and turbidity have the potential to reduce the growth and energy storage of young-of-the-year (YOY) perch and thereby influence survival rates. During the 1990's a reduction in recruitment of YOY perch (Perca fluviatilis) occurred along the Swedish East coast. Concurrently, large blooms of filamentous cyanobacteria have increased in the Baltic Proper and in coastal waters. This study examined whether extended exposure to toxic and non-toxic filamentous cyanobacterium Nodularia affect YOY perch growth and feeding behavior under simulated bloom conditions (30 days at 50 μg Chl a L−1). Specific growth rate (SGR), the somatic condition index (SCI) and the lipid content of YOY perch (10–12 weeks old) were significantly lower in perch exposed to Nodularia compared to fed controls (no Nodularia). YOY perch exposed to non-toxic Nodularia displayed a higher attack rate than perch living in Nodularia free controls in 2 out of 3 trials. Reductions in growth and energy storage, mediated by cyanobacteria, increase the risk of starvation and predation and could locally influence recruitment of YOY perch.Highlights► We investigate the effects of toxic and non-toxic cyanobacterial (Nodularia sp.) on young-of-the-year (YOY) perch (Perca fluviatilis). ► Endpoints are specific growth rate (SGR), lipid content and feeding behavior (feeding and attack rate). ► Results show that both non-toxic and toxic Nodularia reduce SGR and lipid content of YOY perch. ► Reduced growth and energy storage may locally influence recruitment of YOY perch.
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| 21. |
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| 22. |
- Persson, M E, et al.
(author)
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Biomagnification and polychlorinated biphenyl congener distribution in an aquatic predator-prey, host-parasite system
- 2007
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In: Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. - 0730-7268. ; 26:5, s. 837-843
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Biomagnification and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congener distribution was examined in a predator-prey, host-parasite system, in which Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) preyed upon sprat (Sprattus sprattus). Eubothrium crassum was an intestinal parasite in salmon that also "preyed upon" sprat, because the parasites gained access to foodstuffs via the host (salmon) gut. Salmon contained significantly higher concentrations of total PCBs compared to both parasites and prey (sprat), but no difference in PCB concentration was found between sprat and E. crassum. Salmon biomagnified several PCB congeners from their diet (sprat), whereas parasites did not, despite the fact that both salmon and their parasites ingested the same prey. Differences in nutrient uptake mechanisms between the host and their parasites, in addition to the lack of a gastrointestinal tract in the cestode, may explain the lack of biomagnification in E. crassum. No difference was found in PCB congener distribution between parasites, salmon, and sprat. and none of the animal types showed a preference for accumulating more or less lipophilic congeners (congeners with a high or low octanol/water partition coefficient [K-ow]). Biomagnification factors for individual congeners in salmon did not increase with K-ow-rather, they were constant, as shown by a linear relationship for congener concentration in prey and predator.
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| 23. |
- Persson, M. E., et al.
(author)
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Fractionation of delta N-15 and delta C-13 for Atlantic salmon and its intestinal cestode Eubothtium crassum
- 2007
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In: Journal of Fish Biology. - : Wiley. - 0022-1112 .- 1095-8649. ; 71:2, s. 441-452
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Stable isotopes of nitrogen (delta(15) N) and carbon (delta C-13) were measured for Atlantic salmon Salmo salar and their intestinal cestode, Eubothrium crassum, sharing the same diet. Atlantic salmon muscle tissues were enriched in N-15 and depleted in C-13 compared to their prey (sprat Sprattles sprattus sprattus) and their intestinal cestode. There was no significant difference in delta N-15 or delta C-13 between E. crassum and the sprat. Differences in nutrient uptake and intestine physiology between Atlantic salmon and E. crassum are discussed, as well as how these may give rise to different fractionations of stable isotopes between a host and its parasites. Furthermore, Atlantic salmon contained a significantly higher lipid content than their prey, which may partly explain differences in delta C-13 values between the host and its cestode. In addition, cestodes inhabiting lipid-rich hosts were also lipid rich. Larger Atlantic salmon were enriched in N-15 compared to smaller fish. Cestodes inhabiting large hosts were also enriched in N-15 compared to parasites living in smaller hosts. The last two results were explained by larger fish possibly feeding from a higher trophic level, or from larger and older prey, that resulted in both a higher lipid content and an enrichment in N-15. (c) 2007 The Authors Journal compilation (c) 2007 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles.
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| 24. |
- Persson, M E, et al.
(author)
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Large variation in lipid content, ΣPCB and δ13C within individual Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)
- 2007
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In: Environmental Pollution. - : Elsevier BV. - 0269-7491. ; 145:1, s. 131-137
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Abstract Many studies that investigate pollutant levels, or use stable isotope ratios to define trophic level or animal origin, use different standard ways of sampling (dorsal, whole filet or whole body samples). This study shows that lipid content, ΣPCB and δ13C display large differences within muscle samples taken from a single Atlantic salmon. Lipid- and PCB-content was lowest in tail muscles, intermediate in anterior-dorsal muscles and highest in the stomach (abdominal) muscle area. Stable isotopes of carbon (δ13C) showed a lipid accumulation in the stomach muscle area and a depletion in tail muscles. We conclude that it is important to choose an appropriate sample location within an animal based on what processes are to be studied. Care should be taken when attributing persistent pollutant levels or stable isotope data to specific environmental processes before controlling for within-animal variation in these variables. Lipid content, ΣPCB and δ13C vary to a large extent within Atlantic salmon, therefore, the sample technique for individual fish is of outmost importance for proper interpretation of data.
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| 25. |
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