Determination of the lethal range and lethal concentration (LC50) of copper sulfate in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss

Document Type : Research Paper

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the lethal concentration (LC50 96h) of copper sulfate in rainbow trout  fingerlings (10.0±0.39 g). Acute static toxicity test was performed based on the standard O.E.C.D. using rainbow trout fingerlings in 96 hours. In experiments the toxicity range of copper sulfate on fish, was 1 up to 1000 mg.L-1. Within 24 to 96 hours, mortality was increased with increasing concentrations of copper sulfate. LC50 48h has decreased in compare with LC50 24h. Lethal concentration at 72 hours showed a significant reduction compared to both 24h and 48h. Lethal concentrations of 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours were 10, 8.37, 4.79 and 0.96 mg.mL-1, respectively. Since the toxicity is determined according to the LC50 96h, copper sulfate is very toxic for rainbow trout.

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