Human mining activity across the ages determines the genetic structure of modern brown trout (Salmo trutta L.) populations.

ABSTRACT: Humans have exploited the earth's metal resources for thousands of years leaving behind a legacy of toxic metal contamination and poor water quality. The southwest of England provides a well-defined example, with a rich history of metal mining dating to the Bronze Age. Mine water washout continues to negatively impact water quality across the region where brown trout (Salmo trutta L.) populations exist in both metal-impacted and relatively clean rivers. We used microsatellites to assess the genetic impact of mining practices on trout populations in this region. Our analyses demonstrated that metal-impacted trout populations have low genetic diversity and have experienced severe population declines. Metal-river trout populations are genetically distinct from clean-river populations, and als

SUBMITTER: Paris JR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4479513 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature