Toxicity of carbon dioxide to two freshwater fish: Data

Locks and dams are possible management points to block the spread of invasive Asian carps in the United States. Infusion of carbon dioxide (CO2) into water is one deterrent strategy being considered at navigational structures to reduce upstream fish passage that would not directly interfere with lock and dam operations. The goal of this study was to determine lethal concentrations of CO2 to non-target species. Bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) and Fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) were exposed to CO2 continuously for 12 hours using a diluter system. Trials were performed on both species at target water temperatures of 5, 15, and 25°C. See related manuscript for additional details on experimental methods.