Investigation of acute toxicity and the effect of cadmium chloride (CdCl2 . H2O) metal salt on behavior of the guppy (Poecilia reticulata)

In this study 96-h LC50 value of cadmium chloride (CdCl2 . H2O), a metal salt widely used in industry, was determined for the guppy (Poecilia reticulata, Pallas, 1859). The experiments were planned in four series of a total of 440 guppies employing the static test method of acute toxicity. 10 fish were placed in each replicate of each dose. The experiments were performed as four replicates, and behavioral changes in the guppy were determined for each cadmium chloride metal salt concentration. The data obtained were statistically evaluated by the use of EPA computer program based on Finney's Probit Analysis Method and a 96-h LC50 value for P. reticulata was found to be 30.4 mg/l in a static bioassay test system. This value was estimated to be 30.6 mg/l with Behrens-Karber's method. The two methods were in good agreement. 95% lower and upper confidence limits for the LC50 were 29.3 and 31.7 mg/l, respectively. The water temperature was kept between 21 and 23 degrees C. The behavioral changes observed in fish were, swimming in imbalanced manner, capsizing, attaching to the surface, difficulty in breathing and gathering around the ventilation filter.     

Investigation of acute toxicity of beta-cypermethrin on guppies Poecilia reticulata

Beta-cypermethrin, a synthetic pyrethroid pesticide and potential toxic pollutant, contaminating aquatic ecosystems was investigated in the present study for acute toxicity. Guppy fish (Poecilia reticulata) was selected for the bioassay experiments. The experiments were repeated three times and the 48-h LC50 was determined for the guppies. The static test method of acute toxicity test was used. Water temperature was regulated at 22 +/- 1 degrees C. In addition, behavioral changes at each beta-cypermethrin concentration were observed for the individual fish. Data obtained from the beta-cypermethrin acute toxicity tests were evaluated using the probit analysis statistical method. The 48-h LC50 value for guppy was estimated as 21.4 microg/l.     

Investigation of acute toxicity of permethrin on guppies Poecilia reticulata

Permethrin, a synthetic pyrethroid pesticide and potential toxic pollutant contaminating aquatic ecosystems, was investigated in the present study for acute toxicity. Guppy fish (Poecilia reticulata) were selected for the bioassay experiments. The experiments were repeated 3 times and the 48-h LC(50) was determined for the guppies. The static test method of acute toxicity test was used. Water temperature was regulated at 20+/-1 degrees C. In addition, behavioral changes at each permethrin concentration were observed for the individual fish. Data obtained from the permethrin acute toxicity tests were evaluated using the probit analysis statistical method. The 48-h LC(50) value for guppy was estimated as 245.7 microg/l. Values in the range of 0.05-97.0 microg/l have been reported for various other fish species.     

Investigation of acute toxicity of cadmium chloride (CdCl2 . H2O) metal salt and behavioral changes it causes on water frog (Rana ridibunda Pallas, 1771)

The 96-h LC(50) value of cadmium chloride (CdCl(2).H(2)O), a metal salt widely used in industry, was determined in the water frog (Rana ridibunda Pallas, 1771). The experiments were conducted in two series and a total of 140 frogs were used to determine acute toxicity. In addition, behavioral changes in the water frog were determined for each cadmium chloride concentration. Data obtained from the cadmium chloride investigation were evaluated by using the probit analysis statistical method and the 96 h LC(50) value for water frog was estimated to be 51.2 mg/l.     

Investigation of acute toxicity and the effect of 2,4-D (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid) herbicide on the behavior of the common carp (Cyprinus carpio L., 1758; Pisces,Cyprinidae)

A 96-h LC(50) values of 2,4-D [(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)acetic acid], a common contaminating agricultural herbicide, were determined on the adult common carp (Cyprinus carpio L., 1758; Pisces, Cyprinidae). The study was conducted in two stages using 130 carp. The data obtained were statistically evaluated by the use of the EPA computer program based on Finney's Probit Analysis Method and a 96-h LC(50) value for C. carpio L., 1758 was found to be 63.24 mg/l in a static bioassay test system. 95% lower and upper confidence limits for the LC(50) were 55.03 and 71.92 mg/l, respectively. Water temperature was 17+/-1 degrees C. Behavioral changes of the above mentioned species were examined for various herbicide concentrations.     

Lethal and sublethal effects of the pyrethroid, bifenthrin, on grass shrimp (Palaemonetes pugio) and sheepshead minnow (Cyprinodon variegatus)

This study investigated the lethal and sublethal effects of the pyrethroid insecticide bifenthrin on adult and larval grass shrimp, Palaemonetes pugio, and adult sheepshead minnows, Cyprinodon variegatus. The effects were determined by conducting 96-h aqueous static renewal tests and 24-h static tests with sediment. Oxidative stress biomarkers, lipid peroxidation, glutathione, and catalase were also assessed. The 96-h aqueous LC50 value for adult shrimp was 0.020 microg/L (95% CI: 0.015-0.025 microg/L) and for larval shrimp was 0.013 microg/L (95% CI: 0.011-0.016 microg/L). The 96-h aqueous LC50 for adult sheepshead minnow was 19.806 microg/L (95% CI: 11.886-47.250 microg/L). The 24-h sediment LC50 for adult shrimp was 0.339 microg/L (95% CI: 0.291-0.381 microg/L) and for larval shrimp was 0.210 microg/L (95% CI: 0.096-0.393 microg/L). The oxidative stress assays showed some increasing trends toward physiological stress with increased bifenthrin concentrations but they were largely inconclusive. Given the sensitivity of grass shrimp to this compound in laboratory bioassays, additional work will be needed to determine if these exposure levels are environmentally relevant.     

Investigation of acute toxicity of cadmium sulfate (CdSO4 x H2O) and behavioral changes of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus Val., 1844)

This study attempts to determine the 96-h LC50 values of CdSO4 x H2O, a metal salt widely used in industry, for grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus Val., 1844). The study was carried out in two stages with 120 grass carp individuals using statistic method of aquatic toxicity. In addition, the behavioral changes of grass carp at different CdSO4 x H2O concentrations were determined. The results were evaluated using probit analysis method and the LC50 value for grass carp species was calculated as 9.42 mg/l.     

Investigation of acute toxicity of fenitrothion on peppered corydoras (Corydoras paleatus) (Jenyns, 1842)

Fenitrothion, as an organophosphothionate insecticide, is a contact insecticide and selective acaricide, also used as a vector control agent for malaria in public health programs. A 96 h LC50 value of fenitrothion, a potential toxic pollutant contaminating aquatic ecosystems, was determined on the adult peppered corydoras (Corydoras paleatus). The experiments were repeated three times. The static test method of acute toxicity test was used. Water temperature was regulated at 23 +/- 1 degrees C. In addition, behavioral changes at each fenitrothion concentration were observed for the individual fish. Data obtained from acute toxicity tests were evaluated using the Probit Analysis Statistical Method. The 96 h LC50 value for peppered corydoras was estimated as 3.51 mg/l.     

Effects of chlorpyrifos on reproductive performances of guppy (Poecilia reticulata)

Guppy (Poecilia reticulata) was selected to investigate the effects of chlorpyrifos on reproductive performances. Male and female guppy with proven fertility were selected from our own colony and the groups of fish (n=72/group) were exposed to pre-determined chlorpyrifos concentrations (0.002 microg/l, 2 microg/l) based on the 96-h LC50 for guppy. Mating behavior of males was recorded on the 2nd day of exposure. Offspring were counted and survival recorded on the 14th day. Gonopodial thrusts (8/15 min) in 0.002 microg/l and (4/15 min) in 2 microg/l were significantly different from the control group (11/15 min). Similarly, live birth reduced significantly to 8/female in 2 microg/l compared to 27/female in the control group. Survival of offspring after 14 days was reduced to 47% in the 2 microg/l group compared to 94% of survival in the control. Our findings demonstrate that low soluble concentrations of chlorpyrifos affect mating behavior, number of offspring and offspring survival of guppy.     

Investigation of acute toxicity of chlorpyrifos-methyl on Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.) larvae

Chlorpyrifos-methyl, a wide-spectrum organophosphorus insecticide and potential toxic pollutant contaminating aquatic ecosystems, was investigated for acute toxicity. Larvae of the freshwater fish Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.) were selected for the bioassay experiments. The experiments were repeated three times and the 96 h LC50 was determined for the larvae. The static test method for assessing acute toxicity was used. Water temperature was maintained at 25+/-1 degrees C. In addition, behavioral changes at each chlorpyrifos-methyl concentration were observed for the individual fish. Data obtained from the chlorpyrifos-methyl acute toxicity tests were evaluated using Finney's probit analysis statistical method. The 96 h LC50 value for Nile tilapia larvae was calculated to be 1.57 mg/l.     

Acute and chronic toxicity of triphenyltin hydroxide to fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) following brief or continuous exposure

Fathead minnow larvae (Pimephales promelas) were exposed to triphenyltin hydroxide (TPTH) during brief (single pulse) or continuous exposure in 96-h and 30-day toxicity tests. The continuous exposure 96-h LC(50) value was 7.1 microg litre(-1). Brief exposures for 12 to 72-h gave 96-h LC(50) values that ranged from 61.8 to 6.0 microg litre(-1), respectively. The continuous exposure 30-day chronic effect concentration, based upon reduced growth, was 0.23 microg litre. Survival was significantly reduced at 2.0 microg litre(-1). Brief exposures for 24, 48, and 72-h in 30-day tests significantly reduced survival and growth at 13.0, 13.0 and 60.0 microg litre(-1) respectively. It is suggested that both toxicant concentration and exposure duration are important factors to consider in the risk assessment of potential pesticide hazards in the environment.     

Toxicity of the mosquito control pesticide Scourge to adult and larval grass shrimp (Palaemonetes pugio)

This study investigated the toxicity of various concentrations of technical resmethrin and Scourge on adult and larval Palaemonetes pugio, a common grass shrimp species. Two types of tests were conducted for each of the resmethrin formulations using adult and larval grass shrimp life stages, a 96-h static renewal aqueous test without sediment, and a 24-h static nonrenewal aqueous test with sediment. For resmethrin, the 96-h aqueous LC50 value for adult shrimp was 0.53 microg/L (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.46-0.60 microg/L), and for larval shrimp was 0.35 microg/L (95% CI: 0.28-0.42 microg/L). In the presence of sediment, technical resmethrin produced a 24-h LC50 value for adult shrimp of 5.44 microg/L (95% CI: 4.52-6.55 microg/L), and for larval shrimp of 2.15 microg/L (95% CI: 1.35-3.43 microg/L). For Scourge, the 96-h aqueous LC50 for adult shrimp was 2.08 microg/L (95% CI: 1.70-2.54 microg/L), and for larval shrimp was 0.36 microg/L (95% CI: 0.24-0.55 microg/L). The 24-h sediment test yielded an LC50 value of 16.12 microg/L (95% CI: 14.79-17.57 microg/L) for adult shrimp, and 14.16 microg/L (95% CI: 12.21-16.43 microg/L) for larvae. Adjusted LC50 values to reflect the 18% resmethrin concentration in Scourge are 0.37 microg/L (adult), 0.07 microg/L (larvae) for the 96-h aqueous test, and 2.90 microg/L (adult), 2.6 microg/L (larvae) for the 24-h sediment test. Larval grass shrimp were more sensitive to technical resmethrin and Scourge than the adult life stage. The results also demonstrate that synergized resmethrin is more toxic to P. pugio than the nonsynergized form, and that the presence of sediment decreases the toxicity of both resmethrin and Scourge.     

Lethal toxicity of Lindane on a teleost fish, Anguilla anguilla from Albufera Lake (Spain): hardness and temperature effects

This paper reports the results of toxicity tests conducted using Anguilla anguilla under three different water temperature (15, 22 and 29 degrees C) and two hardness regimes (250 and greater than 600 ppm CaCO3). The 96-h LC50 increased in the experimental medium (p less than 0.05) by an order of magnitude from 0.32 to 0.45 mg/L between 15 and 29 degrees C. However in the natural medium it is similar (p greater than 0.05) (0.54 to 0.55 mg/L) for these same temperatures. The toxicity of Lindane on eels increased when the water hardness decreased. The 24, 48, 72 and 96-h LC50 for this fish in both media is less at 15 degrees C (96-h LC50 = 0.32 and 0.55 mg/L) than at 29 degrees C (96-h LC50 = 0.45 and 0.55 mg/L). These results suggest that the toxicity of Lindane presents a negative temperature coefficient.     

Toxicity of the mosquito control insecticide phenothrin to three life stages of the grass shrimp (Palaemonetes pugio)

Phenothrin is a synthetic pyrethroid used as a contact insecticide in mosquito control programs. This study compared the toxicity of phenothrin to adult, larval and embryonic grass shrimp (Palaemonetes pugio) and examined oxidative stress responses in adult and larval grass shrimp. The adult 24-h LC50 was 0.341 μg/L (95 % confidence intervals 0.282-0.412) and the 96-h LC50 was 0.161 μg/L (95 % CI 0.128-0.203 μg/L). The larval 24-h LC50 was 0.50 μg/L (95 % CI 0.441-0.568) and the 96-h LC50 was 0.154 μg/L (95 % CI 0.139-0.170 μg/L). In the presence of sediment, the 24-h LC50 was 6.30 μg/L (95 % CI 5.00-7.44 μg/L) for adults and 0.771 μg/L (95 % CI 0.630-0.944) for larvae. The sublethal biomarkers glutathione and lipid peroxidase (LPx) were examined after 96-h phenothrin exposure at five concentrations, and there were no statistically significant differences in these levels in adults or larvae compared to controls. There was a significant downward trend in larval LPx levels. This research confirms that phenothrin is highly toxic to grass shrimp and suggests that both adult and larval grass shrimp are appropriate life stages for risk assessments.     

Toxicity of the mosquito control insecticide phenothrin to three life stages of the grass shrimp (Palaemonetes pugio)

Phenothrin is a synthetic pyrethroid used as a contact insecticide in mosquito control programs. This study compared the toxicity of phenothrin to adult, larval and embryonic grass shrimp (Palaemonetes pugio) and examined oxidative stress responses in adult and larval grass shrimp. The adult 24-h LC50 was 0.341 μg/L (95 % confidence intervals 0.282–0.412) and the 96-h LC50 was 0.161 μg/L (95 % CI 0.128–0.203 μg/L). The larval 24-h LC50 was 0.50 μg/L (95 % CI 0.441–0.568) and the 96-h LC50 was 0.154 μg/L (95 % CI 0.139–0.170 μg/L). In the presence of sediment, the 24-h LC50 was 6.30 μg/L (95 % CI 5.00–7.44 μg/L) for adults and 0.771 μg/L (95 % CI 0.630–0.944) for larvae. The sublethal biomarkers glutathione and lipid peroxidase (LPx) were examined after 96-h phenothrin exposure at five concentrations, and there were no statistically significant differences in these levels in adults or larvae compared to controls. There was a significant downward trend in larval LPx levels. This research confirms that phenothrin is highly toxic to grass shrimp and suggests that both adult and larval grass shrimp are appropriate life stages for risk assessments.     

Sensitivity of characteristic riverine insects, the caddisfly Cyrnus trimaculatus and the mayfly Ephoron virgo, to copper and diazinon

This study reports the effects of two model toxicants, copper and diazinon, on two characteristic riverine insect species, the caddisfly Cyrnus trimaculatus and the mayfly Ephoron virgo. It was demonstrated that these species are very sensitive to both compounds in comparison with aquatic insects traditionally used in ecotoxicity tests. For diazinon, the 96-h LC(50) value of Cyrnus trimaculatus (1.1 microg/l) is lower than for any other insect species known from the literature and for copper it was demonstrated that Ephoron virgo is among the most sensitive aquatic insect species. The observed low LC(50) values stress the importance of using these indigenous species in assessing the risk of environmental contaminants in large European rivers and in defining conditions for ecological recovery.     

Do laboratory salinity tolerances of freshwater animals correspond with their field salinity?

The degree to which laboratory derived measures of salinity tolerance reflect the field distributions of freshwater biota is uncertain. In this paper we compare laboratory-derived acute salinity tolerance (LC(50) values) of freshwater macroinvertebrates (range 5.5-76 mS/cm) and fish (range 2.7-82 mS/cm) from southeastern Australia with the salinity from which they have been collected in the field. Only 4% of the macroinvertebrates were collected at salinity levels substantially higher than their 72-h LC(50) obtained from directly transferring animals from low salinity water to the water they were tested (direct transfer LC(50)). This LC(50) value was correlated with the maximum salinity at which a species had been collected. For common macroinvertebrates, the maximum field salinity was approximated by the direct transfer 72-h LC(50). For adult freshwater fish, 21% of species were collected at salinities substantially greater than their acute direct transfer LC(50) and there was a weak relationship between these two variables. Although there was a weak correlation between the direct transfer LC(50) of early life stages of freshwater fish and the maximum field salinity, 58% of the field distribution were in higher than their LC(50) values. In contrast, LC(50) determined from experiments that acclimated adult fish to higher salinity (slow acclimation) provided a better indication of the field distribution: with only one fish species (7%) being in conflict with their maximum field salinity and a strong positive relationship between these variables. This study shows that laboratory measures of acute salinity tolerance can reflect the maximum salinity that macroinvertebrate and fish species inhabit and are consistent with some anecdotal observations from other studies.     

Toxicokinetics,toxicity and lethal body residues of two chlorophenols in the oligochaete worm,Lumbriculus variegatus,in different sediments

Bioavailability, toxicokinetics and toxicity (LC(50)) of water- and sediment-associated 2,4,5-trichlorophenol (2,4,5-TCP) and pentachlorophenol (PCP) were measured in Lumbriculus variegatus Müller in a set of experiments. The critical body residue approach was applied by measuring also the lethal body residues (LBR(50)). Freshwater and three different sediments with various sediment organic carbon (SOC) concentrations were used as exposure media. SOC decreased the bioavailability of both chlorophenols, and the uptake rates decreased by 81% and 91% for 2,4,5-TCP and PCP, respectively, in the sediment with a SOC of 6.9% compared to those in sediment with a SOC of 0.5%. SOC appeared to be an important factor controlling the bioavailability as after the carbon normalisation the difference between the sediments was much smaller. The 96-h LC(50) values for instance for PCP were 145.3 microg/l in freshwater, and 6.8 and 8.1 microg/g dry weight in sediments with SOC concentrations of 0.5% and 2.4%, respectively. The LBR(50) values, were practically the same in freshwater and sediments: between 1.0 and 1.6 and from 0.4 to 0.9 micromol/g wet weight for 2,4,5-TCP and PCP, respectively, demonstrating the usefulness of this method for accurate, and more comparable, measurement of toxicity of chemicals with the same mode of toxic action in varying conditions. L. variegatus expressed a dose-response sediment avoidance behaviour but the PCP tissue concentrations were not affected by this behaviour.     

Deriving freshwater quality criteria for 2,4-dichlorophenol for protection of aquatic life in China

Freshwater quality criteria for 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) were developed with particular reference to the aquatic biota in China, and based on USEPA's guidelines. Acute toxicity tests were performed on nine different domestic species indigenous to China to determine 48-h LC50 and 96-h LC50 values for 2,4-DCP. In addition, 21 day survival-reproduction tests with Daphnia magna, 30-day embryo-larval tests with Carassius auratus, 60 day fry-juvenile test with Ctenopharyngodon idellus, 30 d early life stage tests with Bufo bufo gargarizans and 96 h growth inhibition tests with Scenedesms obliqaus were conducted, to estimate lower chronic limit (LCL) and upper chronic limit (UCL) values. The final acute value (FAV) was 2.49 mg/l 2,4-DCP. Acute-to-chronic ratios (ACR) ranged from 3.74 to 22.5. The final chronic value (FCV) and the final plant value (FPV) of 2.4-DCP were 0.212 mg/l and 7.07 mg/l respectively. Based on FAV, FCV, and FPV, a criteria maximum concentration (CMC) of 1.25 mg/l and a criterion continuous concentration (CCC) of 0.212 mg/l were derived. The results of this study provide useful data for deriving national or local water quality criteria for 2,4-DCP based on aquatic biota in China.     

Sensitivities of Australian and New Zealand amphipods to copper and zinc in waters and metal-spiked sediments

The sensitivities of eight benthic amphipods, Chaetocorophium cf. lucasi, Corophium colo, Grandidierella japonica, Hyale crassicornis, Hyale longicornis, Melita awa, Melita matilda and Melita plumulosa, to copper and zinc in water-only and whole-sediment toxicity tests were compared. Whole-sediment tests used copper- (1300 mg/kg) and zinc- (4000 mg/kg) spiked sediments after equilibration for sufficient time to produce pore water and overlying water concentrations below the lowest observable effect concentrations of water-only exposures. Survival of adults (after 10 d) and juveniles (after 96 h), and the metal concentrations in the body tissues of adults, were determined at the end of the tests. Two epibenthic amphipods from the genus Melita were the most sensitive species to aqueous copper and zinc, with a 96-h LC50 value of 120 microg Cu/l for both M. awa and M. plumulosa juveniles, and a 96-h LC50 value of 640 microg Zn/l for juveniles of M. plumulosa. Juvenile amphipods (7-d old) were more sensitive than adult amphipods (>30-d old) in both water-only and whole-sediment tests, with adult-LC50/juvenile-LC50 ratios in water-only tests ranging from 1.2 to l.5 for copper and 1 to 1.4 for zinc. All species except C. colo, C. cf. lucasi and M. matilda were sensitive to the copper-spiked sediment, with survival between 14% and 74% of controls. Similarly, all species except C. colo and G. japonica, showed a response to the zinc-spiked sediment (26-81% of control survival). The epibenthic amphipods were more sensitive than the infaunal tube-dwelling amphipods and are recommended as test species.