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Some errors in respirometry of aquatic breathers: How to avoid and correct for them

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Abstract

Respirometry in closed and flow-through systems is described with the objective of pointing out problems and sources of errors involved and how to correct for them.

Both closed respirometry applied to resting and active animals and intermillent-flow respirometry is described. In addition, flow-through or open respirometry is discussed, in particular when the system is in non-steady state.

Simulations are used to show how improper analysis can lead to improper conclusions.

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Abbreviations

bw:

weight of animal (kg)

βwo2 :

capacitance coefficient of oxygen in water (mg O2.l−1.mmHg−1)

Cwo2,in:

concentration of oxygen in water flowing into the respirometer (mg O2.l−1)

Cwo2,out:

concentration of oxygen in water flowing out of the respirometer (mg O2.l−1)

Mo2 :

total oxygen consumption per unit of body mass (mg O2.kg−1.min−1)

Pwo2,cr:

critical partial pressure of oxygen in water (mmHg)

Pwo2,in:

partial pressure of oxygen in water flowing into the respirometer (mmHg)

Pwo2,out:

partial pressure of oxygen in water flowing out of the respirometer (mmHg)

Vg:

gill water flow rate (l.min−1)

Vr:

volume of water in the respirometer minus fish volume (L)

Vw:

water flow rate (l.min−1)

Vw/Vr = D:

dilution rate (min−1)

Vr/Vw = l/D:

average residence time (min)

t:

time (min)

t95% :

time for 95% transformation (min)

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Author notes

  1. John Fleng Steffensen

    Present address: Department of Zoophysiology, University of Aarhus, DK-8000, Aarhus C, Denmark

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  1. Department of Zoology, The University of British Columbia, B.C. V6T 2A9, Vancouver, Canada

    John Fleng Steffensen

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  1. John Fleng Steffensen
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Steffensen, J.F. Some errors in respirometry of aquatic breathers: How to avoid and correct for them. Fish Physiol Biochem 6, 49–59 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02995809

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