The objectives of this study were to evaluate survival of striped bass (Morone saxatilis) prolarvae and yearlings in the Potomac River by using in situ test chambers; correlate survival of both striped bass life stages with the presence of water quality conditions, inorganic contaminants, and organic contaminants and conduct histological examinations of surviving yearling striped bass. Survival of striped bass prolarvae ranged from 4.5–22.5% at three field locations during three 96-h experiments; control survival was ≥81%. Yearling survival ranged from 0–77.5% at three river stations during two 7-d experiments; highest mortality occurred at the upriver station. Control survival was 100%. Poor survival of striped bass prolarvae was likely related to the presence of inorganic contaminants (monomeric aluminum, cadmium, and copper) acting singly or synergistically and sudden decreases in water temperature (< 11°C). Yearling mortality at the upriver station was likely correlated with high pH conditions from a point source discharge and perhaps inorganic contaminants. Histological examinations of yearlings suggested that test organisms exposed to Potomac River water exhibited adverse changes in the kidney.
