given that processes such as ion
transport, toxicant uptake, waste excretion, and oxygen consumption
are all located at the gills, and are all likely to be modified
by ventilation rates. Furthermore, the impact of stress on gill ventilation
and perfusion may alter metal handling, possibly leading
to increased susceptibility to waterborne contaminants taken up
by the branchial epithelium. This has been previously observed for
organic toxicants such as ethynyloestradiol in swimming killifish