The toxicity of iron to brown trout and effects on the gills: a comparison of two grades of iron sulphate

The 96‐h LC50 on brown trout Salmo trutta of a commercial iron (III) sulphate liquor, used for treating reservoirs to reduce algal growth, was 28 mg total Fe l−1 (0·05 mg soluble Fe l−1). The 96‐h LC50 for analar grade iron (III) sulphate was 47 mg total Fe l−1 (0·24 mg soluble Fe l−1). Lethal and sublethal exposure to both grades of iron resulted in accumulation on the gill, which appears to be the main target for iron toxicity. Greater iron accumulation occurred during exposure to commercial iron sulphate liquor. Physical clogging of gills and gill damage was seen during lethal and sublethal exposure to iron. Gill tissue analysis showed no evidence of iron uptake into gill tissues during lethal or sublethal exposure to iron. Iron did not accumulate in plasma of fish exposed to iron compared to controls. Respiratory disruption due to physical clogging of the gills is suggested as a possible mechanism for iron toxicity.