Effect of temperature on uptake and metabolism of toluene and naphthalene by Dolly Varden Char, Salvelinus malma

Abstract

1. Tissue concentrations and metabolism of [ 14C]toluene and [ 14C]naphthalene were measured in Dolly Varden char at exposure temperatures of 4 and 12°C after oral administration of the hydrocrbons. 2. Tissue concentrations of toluene and toluene metabolites were slightly less at 12 than 4°C. 3. Metabolism of toluene was significantly greater at 12 than 4°C. 4. Tissue concentrations of naphthalene and naphthalene metabolites were less at 12 than 4°C after 48 hr exposure. 5. Naphthalene metabolism was not consistently different between fish exposed at 4 and 12°C. 6. Failure to adequately metabolize toluene at reduced temperatures appears to contribute to the increased sensitivity of fish to toluene when exposed at low temperatures. 7. Lack of temperature effect on naphthalene metabolism correlates with lack of temperature-induced changes in the toxicity of naphthalene to fish.