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Feeding and Growth Responses of Bluegill Fish (Lepomis macrochirus) at Various pH Levels
Z. Brogowski1, H. Siewert2, D. Keplinger2
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1Agriculture Univeristy, Department of Soil Environment Science, ul Nowoursynowska 159, 02-776 Warszawa, Poland,
2Department of Natural Resources, Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana, 47306 USA
Pol. J. Environ. Stud. 2005;14(4):517-519
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ABSTRACT
Mortality, length and weight changes of bluegill fish (Lepomis macrochirus) were investigated at pH 1eve1s of 5.5, 6.5 and 7.5. A sulfurici/nitric (7:3) solution was used to simulate the effects of acid rain on bluegills. Fish at pH 5.5 had a significantly higher mortality and smaller 1ength and weight changes than those of 6.5 and 7.5. No significant difference in length and weight was observed in fish raised at pH 6.5 and 7.5. These results indicate that bluegill in waters of pH 5.5 have a reduced chance to survive and will not grow as well as those at pH 6.5 and 7.5.