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Journal of Experimental Biology 102,123-140 (1983)
Published by Company of Biologists 1983

The Interaction of Environmental Calcium and Low pH on the Physiology of the Rainbow Trout, Salmo Gairdneri : I. Branchial and Renal Net Ion and H⁺ Fluxes

D. G. McDONALD ¹

¹ Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4K1

Exposure of adult rainbow trout to low pH (pH 4.3) in soft water (Ca²⁺ = 223 µequiv/1) caused a substantial ionic disturbance which arose primarily because of large net losses at the gills. In contrast, renal ion losses were low initially and declined even further because of a pronounced reduction in urine flow. A net influx of H⁺ occurred across the gills but this was not sufficient to cause a blood acid-base disturbance or a renal response. Although branchial ion and H⁺ fluxes declined with time, blood ion levels did not return to normal and many of the fish died. Further reduction in water calcium (Ca²⁺ = 69 µequiv/l) provoked a higher mortality and a more substantial ionic imbalance. These results contrast sharply with the effects on trout of acid exposure in hard water (Ca²⁺ 1600µequiv/l), where net ion losses and mortality are reduced and H⁺ uptake increased. A preliminary model for the interaction of low pH and calcium is proposed and evidence for adaptation to acid stress and for the origin of acid lethality is discussed.

Key words: Low pH, calcium, trout

Submitted on April 23, 1982
Accepted on August 9, 1982

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