THE EFFECTS OF HYDROGEN-PEROXIDE ON THE GILL TISSUES OF ATLANTIC SALMON, SALMO-SALAR L

Atlantic salmon were exposed to hydrogen peroxide (1.37-2.58 g l(-1)) over a range of temperatures (10.4-16.0 degrees C) simulating treatmen t for sea lice. Gill tissues and behaviour were monitored. Exposure to 2.58 g l(-1) for 20 min caused total mortality (n = 18)while a shorte r exposure, 10 min, at the same temperature caused only one mortality. Exposure to 1.37 g l(-1) for 20 min ar 10.4 degrees C caused no signi ficant damage to gill tissues. There is a significant correlation (r = 0.895, F = 24.13, P < 0.01) between the level of exposure and the deg ree of gill damage. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.