1
|
Wang H, Wang Y, Li K, Liang R, Zhao W. Tolerance threshold of a pelagic species in China to total dissolved gas supersaturation: from the perspective of survival characteristics and swimming ability. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 12:coae023. [PMID: 38765883 PMCID: PMC11099944 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coae023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Total dissolved gas (TDG) supersaturation downstream of dams can occur in the Yangtze River basin and is known to cause stress and even death in fish. Consequently, it is important to establish tolerance thresholds of endemic fish to protect local aquatic resources. We conducted experiments to assess survival characteristics and swimming ability of bighead carp, an important commercial fish dwelling in the Yangtze River, to evaluate its tolerance threshold to TDG supersaturation. The typical external symptoms of gas bubble trauma (GBT) were observed and the time when the fish lost equilibrium and died were recorded. The results showed that the mortality occurred when TDG level exceeded 125%, with obvious symptoms such as exophthalmos and bubbles on the head. The interval between loss of equilibrium and mortality decreased with an increase in TDG level. Neither exposure time nor TDG level significantly affected the critical swimming speed (Ucrit) of fish exposed to non-lethal exposure (110%, 120% and 125% TDG) over a 7 day period. Significant reductions in Ucrit were found under 130% and 135% TDG conditions when the exposure lasted 52.0 h and 42.9 h, respectively. The Ucrit also significantly decreased after exposure of 1.6 h under 140% TDG condition. Moreover, after exposure to 140% TDG for 39.2 h, 135% TDG for 56.5 h and 130% TDG for 95.9 h, bighead carp were transferred into air saturated water to recover for 24 h or 48 h; however, swimming performance remained impaired. The results of this study indicate that 125% TDG was the highest TDG level where limited mortality was observed and the swimming ability was not impaired, showing that 125% TDG can be set as the tolerance threshold of this species to guide the operation of dams in the Yangtze River Basin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongtao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Yuanming Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Kefeng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Ruifeng Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Weiyang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
- Institute for Disaster Management and Reconstruction, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610207, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Chen Y, Wu X, Lai J, Yan B, Gong Q. Molecular mechanisms of physiological change under acute total dissolved gas supersaturation stress in yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:97911-97924. [PMID: 37603244 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-29157-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
During the dam discharging period, the strong aeration of high-speed water leads to the supersaturation of total dissolved gas (TDG) in the downstream water, which causes gas bubble disease (GBD) in fish and threatens their survival. TDG supersaturation has now become an ecological and environmental issue of global concern; however, the molecular mechanism underlying the physiological effect of TDG supersaturation on fish is poorly known. Here, we comprehensively investigated the effect of TDG supersaturation on Pelteobagrus fulvidraco at the histopathological, biochemical, transcriptomic, and metabolomic levels. After exposure to 116% TDG, P. fulvidraco exhibited classic GBD symptoms and pathological changes in gills. The level of superoxide dismutase was highly significantly decreased. Transcriptomic results revealed that heat shock proteins (HSPs) and a large number of genes involved in immunity were increased by TDG stress. A key environmental sensor PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway was significantly stimulated for defence against stress. Integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses revealed that key metabolites and genes were upregulated in the triacylglycerol synthesis pathway and that amino acid levels decreased, which might be associated with TDG supersaturation stress. The present study demonstrated that TDG supersaturation could cause severe physiological damage in fish. HSP genes, immune functions, and energy metabolic pathways were enhanced to counteract the adverse effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yeyu Chen
- The Fishery Institute of the Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu, 611730, China
| | - Xiaoyun Wu
- The Fishery Institute of the Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu, 611730, China
| | - Jiansheng Lai
- The Fishery Institute of the Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu, 611730, China
| | - Boqin Yan
- The Fishery Institute of the Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu, 611730, China
| | - Quan Gong
- The Fishery Institute of the Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu, 611730, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Chen Y, Wu X, Liu X, Lai J, Gong Q. Comparative transcriptome analysis provides insights into the TDG supersaturation stress response of Schizothorax davidi. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2023; 269:109618. [PMID: 37004899 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2023.109618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
In the dam discharge season, the supersaturation of total dissolved gas (TDG) in the downstream channel can seriously affect the survival of aquatic organisms. However, few studies have revealed the mechanism by which TDG supersaturation affects the physiology of fish thus far. The present study was conducted to study the mechanism of the effect of TDG supersaturation on Schizothorax davidi, a species that is very sensitive to gas bubble disease. S. davidi was exposed to 116 % TDG supersaturation stress for 24 h. Serum biochemical tests showed that the aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels after TDG supersaturation exposure were significantly decreased compared to those in the control group, while superoxide dismutase activity was significantly increased. RNA-Seq of gill tissues identified 1890 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), which consisted of 862 upregulated genes and 1028 downregulated genes, in the TDG supersaturation group vs. the control group. Pathway enrichment analysis revealed that the cell cycle, apoptosis and immune signaling pathways were affected by TDG stress. The results of this study may contribute to our understanding of the underlying molecular mechanism of environmental stress in fish.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yeyu Chen
- The Fishery Institute of the Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu 611730, China
| | - Xiaoyun Wu
- The Fishery Institute of the Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu 611730, China
| | - Xiaoqing Liu
- Key Laboratory of Fluid and Power Machinery, Ministry of Education, Xihua University, Chengdu 610039, China
| | - Jiansheng Lai
- The Fishery Institute of the Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu 611730, China
| | - Quan Gong
- The Fishery Institute of the Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu 611730, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Chen Y, Wu X, Liu X, Lai J, Liu Y, Song M, Li F, Gong Q. Biochemical, transcriptomic and metabolomic responses to total dissolved gas supersaturation and their underlying molecular mechanisms in Yangtze sturgeon (Acipenser dabryanus). ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 216:114457. [PMID: 36183788 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
With the rapid development of hydropower facility construction, the total dissolved gas (TDG) generated by dam discharge is seriously threatening the survival of fish and has become an ecological environmental issue of global concern. However, how TDG affects fish physiology and the underlying molecular mechanism remain poorly known. In this study, Acipenser dabryanus, an ancient living fossil that is a flagship species of the Yangtze River, was exposed to water supersaturated with TDG at a level of 116% for 48 h. A comprehensive analysis was performed to study the effect of TDG supersaturation stress on A. dabryanus, including histopathological, biochemical, transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses. The histopathological results showed that mucosal-associated lymphoid tissues were seriously damaged after TDG supersaturation stress. Plasma catalase levels increased significantly under TDG supersaturation stress, while superoxide dismutase levels decreased significantly. Transcriptomic analysis revealed 289 upregulated genes and 162 downregulated genes in gill tissue and 535 upregulated and 104 downregulated genes in liver tissue. Metabolomic analysis revealed 63 and 164 differentially abundant metabolites between the control group and TDG group in gill and liver, respectively. The majority of heat shock proteins and genes related to ubiquitin and various immune-related pathways were significantly upregulated by TDG supersaturation stress. Integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses revealed the upregulation of amino acid metabolism and glycometabolism pathways under TDG supersaturation stress. Glycerophospholipid metabolism was increased which might be associated with maintaining cell membrane integrity. This is the first study revealing the underlying molecular mechanisms of effects of TDG supersaturation on fish. Our results suggested that acute TDG supersaturation stress could enhance immune and antioxidative functions and activate energy metabolic pathways as an adaptive mechanism in A. dabryanus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yeyu Chen
- The Fishery Institute of the Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu, 611730, China
| | - Xiaoyun Wu
- The Fishery Institute of the Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu, 611730, China
| | - Xiaoqing Liu
- Key Laboratory of Fluid and Power Machinery, Ministry of Education, Xihua University, Chengdu, 610039, China
| | - Jiansheng Lai
- The Fishery Institute of the Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu, 611730, China
| | - Ya Liu
- The Fishery Institute of the Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu, 611730, China
| | - Mingjiang Song
- The Fishery Institute of the Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu, 611730, China
| | - Feiyang Li
- The Fishery Institute of the Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu, 611730, China
| | - Quan Gong
- The Fishery Institute of the Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu, 611730, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Velázquez-Wallraf A, Fernández A, Caballero MJ, Arregui M, González Díaz Ó, Betancor MB, Bernaldo de Quirós Y. Establishment of a fish model to study gas-bubble lesions. Sci Rep 2022; 12:6592. [PMID: 35449183 PMCID: PMC9023494 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-10539-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Decompression sickness (DCS) is a clinical syndrome caused by the formation of systemic intravascular and extravascular gas bubbles. The presence of these bubbles in blood vessels is known as gas embolism. DCS has been described in humans and animals such as sea turtles and cetaceans. To delve deeper into DCS, experimental models in terrestrial mammals subjected to compression/decompression in a hyperbaric chamber have been used. Fish can suffer from gas bubble disease (GBD), characterized by the formation of intravascular and extravascular systemic gas bubbles, similarly to that observed in DCS. Given these similarities and the fact that fish develop this disease naturally in supersaturated water, they could be used as an alternative experimental model for the study of the pathophysiological aspect of gas bubbles. The objective of this study was to obtain a reproducible model for GBD in fish by an engineering system and a complete pathological study, validating this model for the study of the physiopathology of gas related lesions in DCS. A massive and severe GBD was achieved by exposing the fish for 18 h to TDG values of 162-163%, characterized by the presence of severe hemorrhages and the visualization of massive quantities of macroscopic and microscopic gas bubbles, systemically distributed, circulating through different large vessels of experimental fish. These pathological findings were the same as those described in small mammals for the study of explosive DCS by hyperbaric chamber, validating the translational usefulness of this first fish model to study the gas-bubbles lesions associated to DCS from a pathological standpoint.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Velázquez-Wallraf
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Antonio Fernández
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Canary Islands, Spain
| | - María José Caballero
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Canary Islands, Spain.
| | - Marina Arregui
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Óscar González Díaz
- Physical and Chemical Instrumental Center for the Development of Applied Research Technology and Scientific Estate, Institute for Environmental Studies and Natural Resources (I-UNAT), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Mónica B Betancor
- Institute of Aquaculture, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK
| | - Yara Bernaldo de Quirós
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Canary Islands, Spain
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Deng Y, Feng C, Yin Q, Liu X, Shi H, Yang Y, Wu Y. Effect of total dissolved gas supersaturation on the survival of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) and silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix). JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2021; 99:2008-2017. [PMID: 34520041 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.14909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Flood discharge results in total dissolved gas (TDG) supersaturation downstream of a dam during the flood period. Fish suffer death from gas bubble disease (GBD) caused by TDG supersaturation. Nonetheless, current studies mainly attach importance to the survival of benthic fish affected by TDG supersaturation in the Yangtze River in China. Few studies have attempted to investigate the survival of pelagic fish influenced by TDG supersaturated water and compare the tolerance characteristics to TDG supersaturation between benthic and pelagic fish. To identify the survival of fish species that inhabit the various water layers affected by TDG supersaturation, silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) (pelagic fish) and common carp (Cyprinus carpio) (benthic fish) were chosen to conduct an acute exposure experiment of four different TDG supersaturation levels (125%, 130%, 135% and 140%). The findings illustrated that the two fish species both exhibited evident aberrant behaviours of maladjustment in TDG supersaturated water. Obvious GBD symptoms were also found in the test fish. The survival probability of silver carp and common carp decreased with increasing levels of TDG supersaturation. The median survival time (ST50 ) values of the silver carp exposed to four levels of TDG supersaturated water (125%, 130%, 135% and 140%) were 26.84, 7.96, 5.56 and 3.62 h, respectively, whereas the ST50 values of common carp were 53.50, 26.00, 16.50 and 11.70 h, respectively. When compared with common carp, silver carp had a weaker tolerance to TDG-supersaturated water and were vulnerable to GBD. It shows that levels above 125% are not safe for common carp survival. In terms of the tolerance threshold value, silver carp merits further investigation because it showed lower tolerance to TDG than did common carp.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuxuan Deng
- Key Laboratory of Fluid and Power Machinery, Ministry of Education, Xihua University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Fluid Machinery and Engineering, Sichuan Province, Xihua University, Chengdu, China
| | - Cuixia Feng
- Key Laboratory of Fluid and Power Machinery, Ministry of Education, Xihua University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qingjie Yin
- Sichuan Water Conservancy Vocational College, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaoqing Liu
- Key Laboratory of Fluid and Power Machinery, Ministry of Education, Xihua University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Fluid Machinery and Engineering, Sichuan Province, Xihua University, Chengdu, China
- School of Energy and Power Engineering, Xihua University, Chengdu, China
| | - Haoran Shi
- Key Laboratory of Fluid and Power Machinery, Ministry of Education, Xihua University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yao Yang
- Key Laboratory of Fluid and Power Machinery, Ministry of Education, Xihua University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yufeng Wu
- Key Laboratory of Fluid and Power Machinery, Ministry of Education, Xihua University, Chengdu, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ji Q, Li K, Wang Y, Liang R, Feng J, Yuan Q, Zhang P, Zhu DZ. Total dissolved gases induced tolerance and avoidance behaviors in pelagic fish in the Yangtze River, China. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 216:112218. [PMID: 33845365 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Total dissolved gas (TDG) supersaturation caused by dam operations can cause fish gas bubble disease (GBD) and even fish kill. Few studies have examined the effects on pelagic species. Here, we examined the tolerance and avoidance characteristics of silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix), a pelagic fish widely distributed in the Yangtze River basin in China, under stress caused by TDG supersaturation. Silver carp had an average mortality rate of 7.5% ± 1.8%, 92.5% ± 1.8%, and 97.5% ± 1.8% under 130%, 140% and 150% TDG supersaturation for 72 h of exposure, respectively. The average median lethal time (LT50) of silver carp was 18.1 h and 8.0 h under 140% and 150% TDG supersaturation, respectively. Bubbles and congestion appeared in the fins, gills and skin of silver carp. Silver carp can detect and avoid high TDG supersaturation. Significant avoidance behaviors were displayed by silver carp and the final avoidance rate was over 80% under 130% or above TDG conditions. The results of this study indicate that 130% TDG supersaturation triggered silver carp avoidance behaviors, and can be considered as the tolerance threshold.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qianfeng Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Kefeng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Yuanming Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China.
| | - Ruifeng Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Jingjie Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Quan Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - David Z Zhu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
The Effects of Hydropower Plants on the Physicochemical Parameters of the Bystrzyca River in Poland. ENERGIES 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/en14082075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Currently, the literature lacks comprehensive studies on the impact of hydropower plants (HPs) on the environment, including studies focused on the physicochemical parameters of water. The aim of the article is to verify the current state of knowledge on the impact of run-of-river HPs on 17 physicochemical parameters of water. The article is in line with the recommendations of the European Union that the member states, under the common energy policy, should increase the share of renewable energy sources in the energy and perform environmental impact assessments of such facilities. As a result of the analysis carried out on three HPs (Sadowice, Skałka and Marszowice) located on the Bystrzyca River (a tributary of the Odra River in Poland), it was found that HPs affect the selected physicochemical parameters of the water, i.e., (p < 0.05): electrolytic conductivity (EC; Skałka, Marszowice HPs), pH (Skałka, Marszowice HPs); nitrate nitrogen (NO3-N; Marszowice HP), dissolved oxygen (DO; Marszowice HP) and ammonium nitrogen (NH4-N; Marszowice HP). The largest (>5%), statistically significant mean cumulative effect below Marszowice HP concerned NH4-N (−27.83%), DO (+14.04%) and NO3-N (+5.50%). In addition, it was observed that the effect of HPs increases in direct proportion to the damming height, and that run-of-river HPs have a lesser impact on the physicochemical parameters’ values than in storage HPs. Our results were in accordance with those of other scientists in terms of the increase in DO, the decrease in EC, and the decrease in total phosphorus concentrations below HPs.
Collapse
|