A Bioassay Experiment to Determine Water Quality Impacts Related to Trout Mortality at a Hatchery Downstream of Lake Sidney Lanier, Georgia.
Abstract
A major trout kill occurred at Buford Trout Hatchery in northern Georgia during its first year of operation in autumn 1976. Several studies linked toxicity to anoxic conditions in the hypolimnion of Lake Sidney Lanier (the reservoir formed by Buford Dam, 1 1/2 miles up the Chattahoochee River from the hatchery). No consensus as to the toxic agent(s) was reached as a result of the initial studies. Waters from different depths in the reservoir were tested for toxicity to rainbow trout swim-up fry, and each water was extensively analyzed chemically. Bottom water was most toxic and had the highest levels of manganese (Mn) and iron (Fe). No other metals were detectable, no humics or pesticides could be measured, and no hydrogen sulfide was found. The study concluded that Mn and Fe explained all toxicity observed at the hatchery and demonstrated in the river, with no evidence for involvement of any other metal nor of any organic compound. Recommendations were made with respect to possible solutions to seasonal toxicity problems at Buford Trout Hatchery and to further understanding of the impacts of Mn and Fe toxicity on biota of the Chattahoochee River below Lake Sidney Lanier.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1982
- Accession Number
- ADA117279
Entities
People
- Mary K. Leslie
- Melvin E. Lehman
- Michael R. Crezee
- Randy L. Schulze
- Richard H. Jones