John A. Babaluk

Oscillatory zinc distribution in Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) otoliths:: The result of biology or environment?

Scanning proton microprobe (SPM) analysis and imaging was used to map the distribution of zinc in otoliths of anadromous and non-anadromous Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) from the Canadian Arctic. Zinc distribution patterns were oscillatory with concentrations ranging from 35 to 240 ppm. Superimposition of the zinc distribution on optical images of the otoliths permitted correlation of zinc uptake with annular structure in the otoliths and with strontium patterns from the same otolith. Well defined oscillations of zinc concentrations were observed in the otoliths, particularly in the first few years in all samples. In anadromous fish, these overlapped with the onset of the strontium oscillations that were indicative of anadromy and then declined; in non-anadromous fish the oscillations generally continued to later years. Oscillatory zoning of zinc may indicate: (1) variations in the concentration of zinc in water; (2) variations in nutrient availability in the environment; (3) temperature variations in the habitat occupied; or (4) a combination of zinc concentration, nutrient availability or temperature changes. As such, the systematic distribution of zinc in otoliths has the potential to provide temporally constrained information on fish habitat and/or fish biology.

Scanning proton microprobe analysis of strontium in an arctic charr, Salvelinus alpinus, otolith: implications for the interpretation of anadromy

SynopsisScanning proton microprobe imaging has been used to map the distribution of strontium (Sr) in an arctic charr, Salvelinus alpinus, otolith. X-ray maps show that Sr variation follows an oscillatory zoned pattern which correlates with optically resolved zones (annuli). The internal region of the otolith shows optical zonation but no significant Sr content. Comparison of the optical image with the Sr X-ray map provides evidence of when the fish entered a high Sr environment. This may be interpreted as when the fish migrated from fresh water to a marine environment; this particular fish first migrated to sea in its eighth year. Micro-PIXE point analysis was used to determine the abundance of Sr in annuli along a radius from the nucleus to an outer edge; Sr levels in the internal region were about 10 ppm and variation in the outer zoned region was between 62 and 175 ppm. Detection limits for Sr are in the 1–2 ppm range. Other trace elements, such as transition elements, were found to be present in some growth regions in the 1–20 ppm range. Proton beam analysis is a non-destructive analytical technique capable of preserving the spatial integrity of trace-element data in otoliths such that element distribution may be linked to the growth structure of the otolith.

Mercury concentrations in landlocked Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) from the Canadian Arctic. Part II: Influence of lake biotic and abiotic characteristics on geographic trends in 27 populations

Among-lake variation in mercury (Hg) concentrations in landlocked Arctic char was examined in 27 char populations from remote lakes across the Canadian Arctic. A total of 520 landlocked Arctic char were collected from 27 lakes, as well as sediments and surface water from a subset of lakes in 1999, 2002, and 2005 to 2007. Size, length, age, and trophic position (delta(15)N) of individual char were determined and relationships with total Hg (THg) concentrations investigated, to identify a common covariate for adjustment using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). A subset of 216 char from 24 populations was used for spatial comparison, after length-adjustment. The influence of trophic position and food web length and abiotic characteristics such as location, geomorphology, lake area, catchment area, catchment-to-lake area ratio of the lakes on adjusted THg concentrations in char muscle tissue were then evaluated. Arctic char from Amituk Lake (Cornwallis Island) had the highest Hg concentrations (1.31 microg/g wet wt), while Tessisoak Lake (Labrador, 0.07 microg/g wet wt) had the lowest. Concentrations of THg were positively correlated with size, delta(15)N, and age, respectively, in 88, 71, and 58% of 24 char populations. Length and delta(15)N were correlated in 67% of 24 char populations. Food chain length did not explain the differences in length-adjusted THg concentrations in char. No relationships between adjusted THg concentrations in char and latitude or longitude were found, however, THg concentrations in char showed a positive correlation with catchment-to-lake area ratio. Furthermore, we conclude that inputs from the surrounding environment may influence THg concentrations, and will ultimately affect THg concentrations in char as a result of predicted climate-driven changes that may occur in Arctic lake watersheds.

MICRO-PIXE STUDIES OF SR ZONING IN ARCTIC CHARR OTOLITHS : MIGRATORY BEHAVIOUR AND STOCK DISCRIMINATION

Abstract Micro-PIXE has been used to determine the content of strontium in the growth zones of Arctic charr otoliths. A well-defined correspondence is observed between the optically observed growth zones and the strontium zoning pattern. Line-scan data indicate whether or not the fish concerned is anadromous, and they define the years in which migration to the sea has taken place; they also are sensitive to the geographic origin of the fish. These results suggest that micro-PIXE can be a useful tool in the management and conservation of the Arctic charr.

Micro-PIXE analysis of trace element variation in otoliths from fish collected near acid mine tailings: Potential for monitoring contaminant dispersal

Abstract Otoliths from fish sampled proximal to acid mine tailings located near Sherridon, Manitoba contain elevated abundances of Zn, Mn, Fe and Cu. Sr is also present in amounts ranging from 250 to 1200 ppm with the actual levels dependent on the lake from which fish were taken. Previous work on analyzing Zn and Mn suggests Zn will typically vary between 50 and ∼100 ppm (in marine and non-marine species) and Mn between 10 and ∼100 ppm. Otoliths analyzed in this study contain up to ∼1000 ppm Zn and up to ∼400 ppm Mn; Fe is present, ranging between 50 and 100 ppm and Cu is typically 40–50 ppm. Water samples showed variation in these elements depending on proximity to the tailings.

Micro-PIXE studies of char populations in northern Canada

Abstract Micro-PIXE analysis of trace elements in otoliths has been used as the basis for several projects on char, a fish that is important for aboriginal subsistence fisheries in Arctic Canada. Life-history patterns were originally inferred from micro-PIXE line scans of Sr distribution. These were confirmed by superposition of Sr distribution patterns on optical images of otoliths of tag-recaptured fish. Char from various populations showed differentiation in otolith primordial Sr concentration; this enables us to differentiate biological stocks and, it is hoped, eventually to assign individuals from mixed-stock fisheries to their stock of origin. Zn oscillations also correlate with annular structure and provide additional temporally constrained information on fish habitat and behaviour.

Micro-PIXE analysis of strontium in Arctic char, Salvelinus alpinus, otoliths from Quttinirpaaq National Park, Nunavut, Canada

Abstract Arctic char, Salvelinus alpinus, exhibit either lake resident or anadromous (sea-run) life histories. Anadromy is less prevalent at the northern and southern extremes of the distribution. Effective conservation and management of char requires knowledge of life histories exhibited by individuals and populations. Micro-PIXE line-scans were used to determine the distribution of strontium (Sr) in otoliths from which life history patterns were determined for Arctic char from 10 lakes in Quttinirpaaq National Park in the Canadian High Arctic. Although most populations were lake resident as expected, the data indicated that a component of the char population from one lake was anadromous. This represents the most northerly known char population to exhibit anadromy. Mean Sr concentrations in otoliths of char from all populations, as determined by point analysis and also from line-scan data, showed no significant differences between the methods. Mean Sr concentrations (from point analysis) showed significant differences between some of the populations. These differences combined with other analyses (e.g. morphometrics, genetics) can be used to differentiate biological populations. Thus, micro-PIXE analysis is a useful tool for assessing diversity in Arctic char and contributing to their management and conservation in the park.

Cathodoluminescence Microscopy: A Useful Tool for Assessing Incremental Chemical Variation in Otoliths

Otoliths taken from fish from Eden Lake, Manitoba show yellow–green and red cathodoluminescence of varying intensity that corresponds to their annular structure. Proton-induced X-ray emission analysis shows manganese (Mn) concentrations of between 2 and 205 ppm, zinc (Zn) concentrations between 2 and 290 ppm and strontium (Sr) concentrations up to 1 500 ppm in the otoliths. The distribution of luminescence correlates with the distribution of Mn. The Mn, Zn and Sr are likely derived from the monzonitic rocks surrounding the lake. Variations in the distribution of cathodoluminescence may be a useful tool for evaluating changes in environmental chemistry and fish life histories.

Migratory Variation in Mackenzie River System Broad Whitefish: Insights from Otolith Strontium Distributions

Abstract There is growing recognition of the global importance of preserving biodiversity. While many organisms show immense variation in intraspecific biodiversity, for example in life history variation and migratory strategies among conspecific populations, accurate descriptions of such variation are lacking for the majority of contemporary species. One such example is the broad whitefish Coregonus nasus of the lower Mackenzie River system in Canadas Northwest Territories, where anadromous, lacustrine, and putative riverine populations are thought to exist. In this study we resolve migratory variation exhibited by lower Mackenzie River broad whitefish by employing otolith microchemistry and find that (1) anadromous, lacustrine, and riverine populations exist in this system, (2) a high degree of variability exists within anadromous broad whitefish (e.g., varying degrees of marine and estuarine use), and (3) lacustrine populations are not composed solely of resident fish as anadromous broad whitefish occ...