Effects of mine tailing exposure on early life stages of cod (Gadus morhua) and haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus)

Mining and processing of minerals produce large quantities tailings as waste. Some countries, including Norway, allow disposal mine in the sea. In this study we investigated impacts from a calcium carbonate (CaCO3) plant on early live stages haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus) Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua). Fish eggs (3 days post fertilisation; dpf) were exposed for 48 h to three concentrations tailings, nominally 1 mg L?1 (low, L); 10 (medium, M) 100 (high, H); with L M representing occurring at tailing release points. Results show that rapidly adhered both species, causing negative buoyancy (sinking eggs) H exposures. While remained egg surfaces species also after exposure termination, adhesion seemed more pronounced cod, leading larger even exposure. Tailing further induced hatching significantly reduced survival embryos fish group. Moreover, caused malformations larvae, potentially related premature hatching. This shows mineral particles adhere eggs, affecting buoyancy, development.