Effects of biologically treated bleached kraft mill effluent on cold water stream productivity in experimental stream channels

Abstract

Large‐scale outdoor experimental streams were used in a series of effluent addition studies to determine the compatibility of biologically treated bleached kraft mill effluent with satisfactory production of salmonid fishes. Results are reported for 9‐ to 10‐month studies at effluent concentrations representing from 0.5 to 2.0 mg/L of effluent 5 d biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) addition (1.3–5.1% v/v), as well as for an extended 3.5‐year study at 0.5 BOD5 addition (1.5% v/v). The series of studies indicated a pattern of greater rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) cumulative production and average weight in streams receiving effluent and better survival in the control streams. The final long‐term study also indicated that successful maturation, spawning, hatching, larval development, and juvenile growth could take place during conditions of continuous effluent exposure. Measurements of the supporting food web suggest that effluent can increase periphyton production at low concentrations through nutrient additions but that higher effluent concentrations may reduce periphyton production due to the effect of color on underwater light transmittance. Macroinvertebrate populations increased in the streams receiving effluent.

Histopathology of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) after Long-Term Exposure to Biologically Treated Bleached Kraft Mill Effluent in Experimental Stream Channels

“…The results of histological and blood examination correspond well with results of fish survival, growth, production, and reproduction experiments carried out during the same series of studies (Hall et al 1991). Rainbow trout in the experimental streams generally did not differ significantly from trout in control streams in cumulative fish prduction, although they tended to be larger and fewer in number.…”

“…Supporting information relative to effluent exposure conditions and effluent chemical characterization is also provided. Information relative to periphyton and macroinvertebrate studies cmied out in the streams and a more detailed description of the experimental stream facility and operating procedures of stream site have been reported elsewhere (Hall et al 1991). …”

ENSO-coupled precipitation records (1959–2004) based on shells of freshwater bivalve mollusks (Margaritifera falcata) from British Columbia

“…However, not all contaminants are deleterious to the riverine biota (McLeay 1987). High levels of phosphorus and nitrogen promote algal growth (eutrophication) and general productivity in the river (McLeay 1987;Hansson 1987;Feder and Pearson 1988;Hall et al 1991). An extreme increase in annual shell growth was observed in M. margaritifera in years subsequent to an extended eutrophication of the Kvarnbä cken River in central Sweden .…”

Effects of pulp and paper mill effluents on estuarine and marine ecosystems in Canada: a review

“…Artificial stream channel studies of 10 months duration using well-treated (14 d aerated lagoon) bleached kraft mill effluent demonstrated statistically significant lower survival in four of five effluent trials using rainbow trout (NCASI, 1989 p. 97;Hall et al, 1991;cf. Flemming et aL, 1990).…”

“…Natural colonization of streams by mountain whitefish was also much lower in stream channels receiving effluent (n = 8,9) compared to control streams (n = 58,20;NCASI, 1989, p. 122). Enhanced growth of macroinvertebrates (due to nutrient enrichment) and of exposed trout (due to lower densities) were described by Hall et al (1991). It is estimated that treatment streams were receiving effluents having AOX levels of 3 to 4 kg t -1 (Flemming et al, 1990).…”