Abstract
Tilapia rendalli was exposed to various siltconcentrationsfor different exposure periods to determine LC50 andsublethalconcentration ranges. The extent of damaging effects, if any,ofsuspended silt on the exposed fish, were investigated by meansofscanning electron microscopy. The LC50 values rangedbetween21 to 24 g l™1 and 42–48 g l™1 for juveniles andadultsrespectively. The silt concentrations tolerated by the testfisheswere above those found in most natural waters. The resultstherefore support the hypothesis that suspended silt is lethaltofish at concentrations higher than those naturally observed insurface water. The observed mortalities can be attributed tothecombined physical effects of high silt concentrations andassociated reduction in dissolved oxygen levels. To preventfishmortalities and other impacts on biota, anthropogenicactivitiesthat affect the natural variation in suspended siltconcentrationsin surface water should be carefully monitored and, wherepossible,be restricted.
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Buermann, Y., Du Preez, H.H., Steyn, G.J. et al. Tolerance levels of redbreast tilapia, Tilapia rendalli (Boulenger, 1896) to natural suspended silt. Hydrobiologia 344, 11–18 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1002985707694
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1002985707694