Physiological Stress in Native Brook Trout (Salvelinus Fontinalis) During Episodic Acidification of Streams in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Neff KJ. 2007. Physiological Stress in Native Brook Trout (Salvelinus Fontinalis) During Episodic Acidification of Streams in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. University of Tennessee
ABSTRACT: Episodes of stream acidification are suspected to be the primary cause of the extirpation of native southern brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) from six headwater streams in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GRSM). During periods of increased flow from storm events, stream pH can drop below 5.0 (minimum of 4.0) for 2-days or longer. To provide evidence that native brook trout are impacted by stream acidification, in situ bioassay experiments were conducted. Changes in stream water chemistry and brook trout physiology were determined during a 36-hour acidic episode at three remote headwater stream sites in the Middle Prong of the Little Pigeon River watershed. Conductivity, pH, turbidity, stage height and temperature were monitored continuously; and water samples were collected for laboratory analyses (metals, cations, anions, ANC). Native brook trout were put in cages at the three sites and fish were sampled before and after the acid storm event. Physiological stress in brook trout was assessed by measuring whole-body sodium in individual fish sampled before and after the stormflow, and evaluating whole-body sodium loss as a response to acid conditions....
- Type
- Academic
- Authors
- Neff, Keil
- Date of Issue
- 2007-08
- Publisher
- University of Tennessee
- Units
- GRSM
- Keywords
- acid deposition, APHN, Appalachian Highlands Network, brook trout, episodic acidification, fish, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, GRSM, GRSM-00398, Salvelinus fontinalis, SER, Southeast Region, thesis, water quality