Application of laser ablation ICPMS to trace the environmental history of chum salmon Oncorhynchus keta

Abstract

Trace element levels in otoliths of chum salmon Oncorhynchus keta were examined by means of laser ablation inductivity coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICPMS). A close linear relationship in the Sr:Ca ratios between EPMA (X-ray analysis with an electron microprobe) and LA-ICPMS analyses was found (p<0.0001), suggesting that the latter technique could be used to separate the marine and freshwater life phases. Mg:Ca, Cr:Ca, Zn:Ca and Ba:Ca ratios in either the core region or the oceanic growth zone of the otoliths varied among sites. These differences suggest that elemental compositions may reflect environmental variability among spawning (breeding) or habitat sites. Thus, those element ratios demonstrate the potential to be used to distinguish between fish spawning (breeding) sites and habitats for this species of salmon.

Otolith chemistry reveals fine population structure and close affinity to the Pacific and Atlantic oceanic spawning grounds in the migratory southern blue whiting (Micromesistius australis australis)

“…Using four elements, the correct allocation of fish to their sampling areas situated in either Chilean or Falkland spawning grounds was about 90%, which was higher than in Patagonian toothfish (79-84%; Ashford et al, 2005). This means that adult M. a. australis have a close affinity to their spawning sites, similar to salmonids (Arai et al, 2007) and sparids (Gillanders, 2002).…”

High resolution micromill sampling for analysis of fish otoliths by ICP-MS: Effects of sampling and specimen preparation on trace element fingerprints

“…These elements are also present in fish otoliths at significantly lower concentrations than alkaline and alkaline earth elements, such as Ba, Mg, Na and Sr (Thresher, 1999;Arslan and Paulson, 2002;Arslan and Secor, 2005;Arai et al, 2007). For accurate measurement, we opted for a preconcentration strategy to improve ICP-MS signals and to eliminate the interferences from the otolith calcium matrix.…”

Otolith microchemistry inSicydium punctatum: indices of environmental condition changes after recruitment

“…The increments are also able to trap minor and trace elements coming from the surrounding water and food within the matrix during the calcification process. In combination with age data, otolith elemental composition has been used to reconstruct migratory environmental history of fish (Elfman et al 2000;Arai et al 2007).…”