Skip to main content
Pearson+ LogoPearson+ Logo
Ch. 40 - Water and Electrolyte Balance in Animals
All textbooksFreeman 8th EditionCh. 40 - Water and Electrolyte Balance in AnimalsProblem 14d
Chapter 40, Problem 14d

Fish and other aquatic organisms are exposed to many types of water pollutants, including metals such as aluminum. Although a low level of aluminum is found in unpolluted water, many lakes and streams have an increased level because of mining, sewage treatment, and accidental spills of toxic materials. Aluminum pollution can result in mass fish die-offs. The scientists also measured the activity of Na+/K+-ATPase in the gills of the fish exposed to aluminum and compared it to that of the control fish.
What do you suppose were their results? Explain.

Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of Na+/K+-ATPase: This enzyme is crucial for maintaining the balance of sodium and potassium ions across cell membranes, which is essential for various cellular functions, including nerve impulse transmission and muscle contraction.
Consider the impact of aluminum on fish physiology: Aluminum can interfere with ion regulation in fish, particularly affecting the gills where Na+/K+-ATPase is active. This interference can disrupt the balance of ions, leading to physiological stress.
Predict the effect on Na+/K+-ATPase activity: Given that aluminum pollution disrupts ion regulation, it is likely that the activity of Na+/K+-ATPase in the gills of fish exposed to aluminum would be altered compared to control fish. This could manifest as either increased activity to compensate for ion imbalance or decreased activity due to enzyme inhibition.
Compare with control fish: In the absence of aluminum pollution, control fish would maintain normal Na+/K+-ATPase activity, ensuring proper ion balance and physiological function.
Conclude the potential results: The scientists likely observed a significant difference in Na+/K+-ATPase activity between aluminum-exposed fish and control fish, indicating the disruptive effect of aluminum on ion regulation and overall fish health.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Video duration:
2m
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Na+/K+-ATPase Function

Na+/K+-ATPase is an enzyme crucial for maintaining cellular homeostasis by regulating ion gradients across cell membranes. It actively pumps sodium ions out and potassium ions into cells, which is vital for processes like nerve impulse transmission and muscle contraction. In fish gills, this enzyme helps in osmoregulation, balancing salt and water levels, which is essential for survival in aquatic environments.
Recommended video:
Guided course
06:57
Primary Active Transport: Na+/K+ Pump

Impact of Aluminum on Aquatic Life

Aluminum pollution in water can be toxic to aquatic organisms, affecting their physiological functions. High levels of aluminum can disrupt ion regulation in fish, leading to impaired gill function and reduced Na+/K+-ATPase activity. This disruption can cause osmoregulatory stress, leading to decreased survival rates and mass die-offs, as fish struggle to maintain homeostasis in polluted environments.
Recommended video:
Guided course
03:35
Geographic Impact on Communities

Pollution Sources and Effects

Pollution from mining, sewage treatment, and toxic spills increases aluminum levels in water bodies, posing a threat to aquatic ecosystems. These pollutants can alter water chemistry, affecting the health and biodiversity of aquatic life. Understanding the sources and effects of such pollution is crucial for developing strategies to mitigate its impact and protect aquatic organisms from harmful exposure.
Recommended video:
Guided course
03:36
Pollution and Climate Change
Related Practice
Textbook Question

Fish and other aquatic organisms are exposed to many types of water pollutants, including metals such as aluminum. Although a low level of aluminum is found in unpolluted water, many lakes and streams have an increased level because of mining, sewage treatment, and accidental spills of toxic materials. Aluminum pollution can result in mass fish die-offs such as the one pictured here. How does this occur? Which of the following is an osmoregulatory challenge that freshwater fishes need to overcome?

a. Diffusion of sodium ions out of the body

b. Diffusion of water out of the body

c. Active transport of sodium ions out of the body

d. Active transport of water out of the body

611
views
Textbook Question

Fish and other aquatic organisms are exposed to many types of water pollutants, including metals such as aluminum. Although a low level of aluminum is found in unpolluted water, many lakes and streams have an increased level because of mining, sewage treatment, and accidental spills of toxic materials. Aluminum pollution can result in mass fish die-offs. In a laboratory, scientists exposed freshwater bony fish (Prochilodus lineatus) to water with a high level of aluminum and compared their blood osmolarity to that of fish exposed to water with a normal aluminum level (control). The results of the experiment are shown here (asterisks indicate P<0.05 between control and treated groups at a given time).

Do the data support the hypothesis that aluminum interferes with osmoregulation in freshwater fishes? Explain.

484
views
Textbook Question

Fish and other aquatic organisms are exposed to many types of water pollutants, including metals such as aluminum. Although a low level of aluminum is found in unpolluted water, many lakes and streams have an increased level because of mining, sewage treatment, and accidental spills of toxic materials. Aluminum pollution can result in mass fish die-offs.

Why did the scientists do this experiment in a laboratory instead of simply collecting fish from a river with a high aluminum level and documenting their osmoregulatory ability?

340
views
Textbook Question

Fish and other aquatic organisms are exposed to many types of water pollutants, including metals such as aluminum. Although a low level of aluminum is found in unpolluted water, many lakes and streams have an increased level because of mining, sewage treatment, and accidental spills of toxic materials. Aluminum pollution can result in mass fish die-offs.

True or false: Water moves by osmosis across a fish's gills to an area with a higher sodium ion concentration because water molecules are attracted to the sodium ions.

419
views
Textbook Question

Fish and other aquatic organisms are exposed to many types of water pollutants, including metals such as aluminum. Although a low level of aluminum is found in unpolluted water, many lakes and streams have an increased level because of mining, sewage treatment, and accidental spills of toxic materials. Aluminum pollution can result in mass fish die-offs.

Draw a graph similar to the one here showing how the results would be different if the experiment had been performed on marine bony fish in seawater. (Assume that the osmolarity of seawater is 1100 mOsm and the set point osmolarity of marine bony fishes is 290 mOsm.)

425
views