Use of radioisotopes in hydrobiology and fish culture

Use of radioisotopes has increased rapidly in hydrobiology and fish culture. Their use, especially P³², to study circulation of nutrients has been demonstrated and offers opportunities in problems of lake metabolism. The most extensive use of isotopes has been to determine photosynthetic activity in plankton through C¹⁴ uptake. Applications and limitations are discussed. Isotopes have been successfully used in food studies of fish to determine food selection, metabolism, and storage. Water movements in fresh and salt water and in sewage problems have been successfully followed by use of various isotopes. Marking of aquatic animals with radioisotopes has many possible applications, but has been little used because of some inherent problems related to danger to organisms and in field use. Extent of future use of isotopes in hydrobiology will be determined by further study of hazards and public acceptance of field studies.