Physiological, anatomic and behavioural changes in the respiratory system of Salmo gairdneri Rich. On acute and chronic exposure to chlorothalonil

1. Various changes in anatomical, physiological and behavioural aspects of the respiratory system of Salmo gairdneri on exposure to chlorothalonil (TCIN) were examined, along with the relationship between LC50 response and oxygen concentration. 2. The TCIN LC50 was significantly lower at 5 mg/l oxygen concentration than at 8 mg/l. 3. Haematocrit was depressed on exposure to TCIN, whereas exposure to pentachlorophenol and lindane raised the haematocrit. Muscle lactate was not elevated in acutely exposed fish. 4. Ventilatory frequency was raised above 30 micrograms/l TCIN. 5. Gills of fish exposed to 2.0 micrograms/l TCIN for 24 days had reduced lamellar diffusive capacity, primarily caused by an increase in blood barrier thickness.