Interactive effect of chromium compounds and a fungal parasite on carp eggs

A fungal parasite (Saprolegniales) of carp eggs was exposed to hexavalent and trivalent chromium compounds at concentrations identical to those used in a study of the effects of the same compounds on carp eggs hatchability. Comparison of data from both experiments revealed that increased egg mortality and increased fungal growth were cooupled at low concentrations of the compounds. A mechanism for the interaction of a chemical stress and a biological stress on carp egg survival in natural systems is presented.