The effects of tetrachloroguaiacol on the growth, survival, and development of the fathead minnow, Pimephales promelas.

Abstract

Fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) larvae were exposed for 7 days to tetrachloroguaiacol (TeCG), within 24 h of hatching, at concentrations of 0, 25, 50, 100, 200, 400 microg/L. No significant difference in growth or larval survival was found among treatments. Embryos, within 24 h of fertilization, were also exposed to TeCG at concentrations of 0 and 100 microg/L for 10 days. No significant difference was found between the control and treatment groups for larval survival, body length, body width, or for yolk size of the eleutheroembryos. However, a significant difference was found in the hatching success of the eggs (p = 0.05). Since fathead minnows have been known to spawn in areas close to sites that discharge bleached kraft mill effluent (BKME) which contains TeCG, into receiving waters, naturally occurring populations will likely be affected by the toxicant.