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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Stuttgart, Arkansas » Harry K. Dupree Stuttgart National Aquaculture Research Cntr » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #276065
Title: Using a computer model to calculate copper sulfate treatments for Ich

Author
item RYAN, ADAM - Hydroqual
item Straus, David - Dave
item TOMASSO, JOSEPH - Texas State University

Submitted to: Book of Abstracts Aquaculture America
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/29/2011
Publication Date: 2/29/2012
Citation: Ryan, A.C., Straus, D.L., Tomasso, J.R. 2012. Using a computer model to calculate copper sulfate treatments for Ich [abstract]. Book of Abstracts Aquaculture America 2012: Bringing all the Players to the Table. p.468.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Copper sulfate (CuSO4) is often used to control infestations of Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (Ich) in pond aquaculture in the United States. In this study, we determined the acute toxicity of CuSO4 to the free-swimming theronts of Ich in reconstituted waters. Water chemistry characteristics, including calcium, magnesium, and pH were varied independently and spanned relevant ranges. The objective of these experiments was to provide data that would serve as the basis for development of a biotic ligand model (BLM) that could be used to derive therapeutic doses of copper sulfate in aquaculture operations. A BLM for such purposes would be ideal because it could define effective bioavailability-based doses for controlling Ich outbreaks while simultaneously evaluating if copper doses would be safe for fish. Preliminary data analysis suggested that solution chemistry influenced the toxicity of CuSO4 to Ich, and that Ich strain or batch contributed to the variability in the observed effect concentrations. Development of a BLM for Ich may have to be strain-specific, which for aquaculture purposes suggests that the least sensitive Ich strain should be used for BLM development.