Determination of the lethal range and lethal concentration (LC50) of copper sulfate in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss

The purpose of this study was to determine the lethal concentration (LC50 96h) of copper sulfate in rainbow trout fingerlings (10.0±0.39 g). Acute static toxicity test was performed based on the standard O.E.C.D. using rainbow trout fingerlings in 96 hours. In experiments the toxicity range of copper sulfate on fish, was 1 up to 1000 mg.L-1. Within 24 to 96 hours, mortality was increased with increasing concentrations of copper sulfate. LC50 48h has decreased in compare with LC50 24h. Lethal concentration at 72 hours showed a significant reduction compared to both 24h and 48h. Lethal concentrations of 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours were 10, 8.37, 4.79 and 0.96 mg.mL-1, respectively. Since the toxicity is determined according to the LC50 96h, copper sulfate is very toxic for rainbow trout.