Toxic effects of nitrite on freshwater organisms: a review

Abstract High nitrite concentrations may occur mainly in recirculating aquaculture systems, but can also be found under certain conditions in natural waters. Among studied freshwater organisms, molluscs and worms followed by fish are the most resistant to nitrite. On the other hand, crustaceans and aquatic insects followed by amphibians are the most sensitive. Wide interspecific differences in nitrite susceptibility can be found within freshwater insects, crustaceans and amphibians. Chloride concentration in water is supposed to be the most important factor influencing nitrite toxicity. Generally, a positive chloride effect on nitrite toxicity reduction can be expected in all aquatic animals (or their early stages) employing gills for breathing and ion exchange. This phenomenon has already been observed in an amphipod ( Eulimnogammarus toletanus , Pinkster & Stock), a planarian ( Polycelis felina , Dalyell), two species of crayfish, several fish species and in amphibians in early development stages. A relatively huge amount of data on nitrite effects is available for fish, but other freshwater organisms were less frequently studied. Information on chronic effect of nitrite is nearly completely missing.