STS-5 (Space Transport System-5) Fish Kill, Kennedy Space Center, Florida

Abstract

Since fish kills were observed following previous Space Transport System (STS) launches, the USAF Occupational and Environmental Health Laboratory was requested to conduct an on-site investigation of any possible fish kill associated with STS-5 on 11 November 1982. Due to the acuteness of the fish kills and close association with time of launch, STS exhaust products, such as HC1 and/or aluminum oxide were suspected as the cause. Other potential causes considered included diseases, parasites, mechanical interference with respiration, insufficient oxygen, trauma, temperature and pH changes, and exposure to other toxic substances. The conclusion was that the fish died from ionic imbalances and fatal anoxia resulting from severe gill damage caused by a rapid decrease in the water pH. The change in water pH was a transitory phenomenon and not perceived to be a long-term environmental threat.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 1983
Accession Number
ADA132958

Entities

People

  • Gene B. Hubbard
  • Joseph E. Milligan

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acids
  • Air Force
  • Cells
  • Diseases And Disorders
  • Electron Microscopy
  • Environment
  • Environmental Health
  • Epithelial Cells
  • Fish
  • Health
  • Heavy Metals
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Mucous Membrane
  • Public Health
  • Shallow Water
  • Standards
  • Water

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Aerospace Test and Evaluation
  • Cardiovascular Physiology
  • Environmental Engineering

Technology Areas

  • Space