Field validation of avoidance of elevated metals by fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) following in situ acclimation

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Abstract
Avoidance of a blend of four metals (relative proportions: 1.00 copper, 0.54 chromium, 1.85 arsenic, 0.38 selenium) was determined in schools of fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) in an artificial stream supplied with raw river water and in a natural stream. Control (unexposed) fish were tested in spring in the artificial stream and during summer in the artificial stream and a natural stream. Fish exposed continuously for 3 months to the blend of the four metals (98 μg/L total metals) in river water were tested during summer in the artificial and natural streams. Control fish avoided 71.1 and 34.3 μg/L total metals in the artificial stream in spring and summer, respectively, and 73.5 μg/L in the natural stream. Exposed fish did not respond to metals blends as high as 1,470 or 2,940 μg/L in the artificial and natural streams, respectively. Water hardness, turbidity and physical setting are implicated as possible causative factors in differences among control fish. Results are compared with those of previously reported laboratory studies and the effects of pollution observed in the New River, Virginia.