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A) Acting directly on the fish swimming in the water in which solids are suspended, either by killing them or reducing their growth rate, resistance to disease, etc. Increased turbidity and decreased light penetration alter fish feeding and schooling practices, which can lead leading to reduced survival. The high concentrations of sediments also irritate the gills of fish and can cause death. In addition, sediment can destroy the protective mucous mucus covering the eyes and scales of fish, making them fish more susceptible to infections.
B) Preventing the successful development of fish eggs and larvae. For example, especially under reduced flow conditions, settleable solids in river waters have the potential to be deposited in the stream, especially under reduced flow conditionsstreams, where they may exert a detrimental influence on fish eggs in spawning beds.
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