Identification of a sensitive index during fish bioassay of an azo dye methyl red (untreated and treated)

Acute and chronic toxicity of methyl red (untreated) was examined on a freshwater fish Poecilia reticulata, using indices viz; mortality, reduction in RBC counts and their morphological abnormality (poikilocytosis and anisocytosis). Similar studies (acute toxicity) were also made in physicochemically and biologically treated methyl red. Data comparison of these four indices revealed poikilocytosis as the most sensitive index, since it measured higher toxicity of methyl red when fish mortality was either minimum at its low concentration (5 ppm) during both acute and chronic toxicity or even nil in the biologically treated 100 ppm methyl red, during acute toxicity. Mortality was next to poikilocytosis though it ranked 1st at higher concentration of methyl red during acute toxicity. The reduction in RBC counts however, was found to be the most sensitive parameter only in case of prolonged exposure (4 weeks) to 5 ppm methyl red. Amongst the four indices used for quantifying toxicity; anisocytosis was found to be the least expressive. Based on these findings we recommend quantification of data on fish mortality and poikilocytosis during acute toxicity whereas reduction in RBC counts and poikilocytosis during chronic exposure to methyl red.     

In vivo effects of acute administration of potassium tetranitrodiammine cobaltate(III) on rat erythrocytes

Potassium tetranitrodiammine cobaltate(III) K[Co(NH₃)₂(NO₂)₄] is a coordination complex having Co(III) as the central atom. Cobalt(III) compounds are being advocated for their anticarcinogenic potential. In the present study, we have for the first time evaluated this compound for its toxicity to rat RBC. The parameters studied include the effects of potassium tetranitrodiammine cobaltate(III) on GSH, GST, catalase, G6PD, acid phosphatase, GOT, and GPT. Scanning electron microscopy of RBCs of potassium tetranitrodiammine cobaltate(III) treated rats has also been carried out for evaluating its influence on the red cell morphology. The data showed that potassium tetranitrodiammine cobaltate(III) treatment causes marked biochemical changes in the rat RBCs along with changes in their shapes characterized by the formation of acanthocytes. The results thus suggest that acute administration of potassium tetranitrodiammine cobaltate(III) is potentially toxic to rat RBCs.     

Certain haematological responses in Swiss albino mice following exposure to textile dye wastewater

Adults Swiss mice were administered 5% solution of textile industry wastewater orally for 25 days and haematological parameters like RBC, WBC, Hb, and PCV were studied. Red cell indices like MCV, MCH and MCHC were calculated. Results indicate significant reduction in RBC, Hb and PCV levels. It is inferred that toxic effluents cause metabolic alteration in erythrocytes and reduce their Hb carrying capacity.     

Acute toxicity levels and ethological responses of Channa striatus to fertilizer industrial wastewater

The present paper deals with the toxicity of fertilizer's industrial wastewater on snake head fish Channa striatus (Bloch) previously named as Ophiocephalus sp., at different concentrations viz., 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 percent on the behavioural changes and mortality. The exposed fish showed hyperactivity viz., jumping, operculum movement, distance travelling, somersaulting at higher concentration such as 60, 80, and 100 percent within 48 hr. At lower concentrations such as 20 and 40 percent exposed fish showed hyperactivities viz., linear movement and eye movement within 48 hr. The LC50 values of industrial wastewater were also determined viz. 89, 75, 70 and 69 percent at different duration of exposure time i.e. 48, 72, 96 and 120 hr respectively. The obtained data revealed that LC50 value decreased with increase of exposure.     

The effect of plasma components on hemoglobin release test in red blood cells (RBC)

Electrophoresis release test (ERT) was established by our lab to observe the re-released hemoglobin (Hb) from red blood cells (RBCs) and whole blood. In this study, ERT was performed to study the effects of different plasma components including plasma, serum, albumin, globulin, fibrinogen, glucose, amino acid, vitamin, insulin, hormone, and inorganic ions on re-released Hb from RBC and whole blood samples during ERT. The results showed that plasma, serum, albumin, globulin, compound amino acid, essential amino acid, vitamin C, insulin, hormone, NaCl, KCl, CaCl₂, and NaHCO₃^? decreased re-released RBC Hb; while glucose, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, and vitamin B12 elevated re-released RBC Hb. The differing effects of various plasma components on re-released Hb of RBC may play a significant role in blood conservation.     

Toxic effects of copper and zinc mixtures on some haematological and biochemical parameters in common carp, Cyprinus carpio (Linn)

The effect of heavy metals and mixture were studied on some haematological and biochemical parameters in fish, Cyprinus carpio at sublethal level over the period of 30 days. Heavy metal significantly decreased total RBC count, haemogoblin, heamatocrit (Hct) (except copper after 10 days exposure). The WBC count was increased significantly in all the treated fish. The MCH, MCHC, MVC were increased depending upon the exposure period; declined PVC was noticed at 1% level of significance after 30 days on all the treated fish. Serum level of chloride and calcium content were increased where as serum glucose, cholesterol and total serum protein were decreased significantly. The alteration in haematological and biochemical parameters shows more toxic in mixture after 30 days, showed more than 'addition action' of the individual toxicant.     

Toxicity attenuation of olive mill wastewater in soil slurries

Olive mill wastewaters are toxic for plants and microbes due to their high polyphenol content. We studied the effect of agricultural soil as a natural catalyst to promote polyphenol oxidation and polymerization, and in turn detoxify olive mill wastewaters. We show that model polyphenols are fully converted in soil slurries. Their products show no toxicity to the growth of a typical soil bacterium, Bacillus cereus, and reduced phytotoxicity in germination tests with English cress seeds. Those findings are promising for the sustainable treatment of olive wastewater in aerated soil slurries.     

Antifeedant activity of aqueous extract of Gnidia glauca Gilg. and Toddalia asiatica Lam. on the gram pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hbn)

Aqueous leaf extracts of two plants namely Gnidia glauca Gilg. and Toddalia asiatica Lam., have been screened for their antifeedant activity against the sixth instar larvae of Helicoverpa armigera (Hbn) by applying the aqueous leaf extracts at various concentrations viz., 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0 percent on young tomato leaves. The larval mortality of more than 50 percent at higher concentrations (0.8 and 1.0 percent) was observed in the aqueous extracts. Among the two aqueous leaf extracts tested, T. asiatica was found to show higher rate of mortality (86.1%) at 1.0 percent concentration. A reduction in the rate of food consumption and growth was observed in the larvae of H. armigera after 48 hours of treatments in both the aqueous extracts. Since this insect pest species have developed resistance and resurgence to synthetic insecticides, the only alternate is the usage of bio-pesticides for they are eco-friendly, pollution free and easily degradable.     

Effects of Cr(III) organic compounds on Lactobacillus plantarum

Biotransformation of Cr(VI) to less toxic Cr(III) has been known to produce insoluble Cr(III) compounds and soluble Cr(III) organic complexes. However, recent research reports have indicated that Cr(III) organic complexes are relatively stable in the environment. Little has been reported on the fate and toxic effects of Cr(III) organic compounds on organisms. In this study, the toxic effects of the soluble Cr(III) organic complexes [Cr(III) citrate, Cr(III) histidine, Cr(III) lactate and Cr(III) glutamate] to a local strain of Lactobacillus plantarum isolated from sauerkraut was investigated. Growth inhibition, viable cell count and lactic acid inhibition were measured to determine the toxicity potential of the test compounds. The EC₅₀ values of Cr(III) citrate, Cr(III) histidine, Cr(III) lactate, and Cr(III) glutamate, calculated from the percent growth inhibition were found to be 56 mg L^?1, 70 mg L^?1, 81 mg L^?1, and 85 mg L^?1, respectively. Similar trend was observed in the viable cell counts and lactic acid production. Cr(VI) was observed to be more toxic than the Cr(III) organic compounds, while inorganic Cr(III) was the least toxic. The severity seemed to increase with increase in chromium compounds’ concentration. The results showed that Cr(III) citrate was the most toxic Cr(III) organic compound, while Cr(III) glutamate was the least.     

Habitat complexity modifies post-settlement mortality and recruitment dynamics of a marine fish

For species that have an open population structure, local population size may be strongly influenced by a combination of propagule supply and post-settlement survival. While it is widely recognized that supply of larvae (or recruits) is variable and that variable recruitment may affect the relative contribution of pre- and post-settlement factors, less effort has been made to quantify how variation in the strength of post-settlement mortality (particularly density-dependent mortality) will affect the importance of processes that determine population size. In this study, I examined the effects of habitat complexity on mortality of blue rockfish (Sebastes mystinus) within nearshore reefs off central California. I first tested whether variation in habitat complexity (measured as three-dimensional complexity of rocky substrate) affected the magnitude of both density-independent and density-dependent mortality. I then used limitation analysis to quantify how variation in habitat complexity alters the relative influence of recruitment, density-independent mortality, and density-dependent mortality in determining local population size. Increased habitat complexity was associated with a reduction in both density-independent and density-dependent mortality. At low levels of habitat complexity, limitation analysis revealed that mortality was strong and recruitment had relatively little influence on population size. However, as habitat complexity increased, recruitment became more important. At the highest levels of habitat complexity, limitation by recruitment was substantial, although density-dependent mortality was ultimately the largest constraint on population size. In high-complexity habitats, population dynamics may strongly reflect variation in recruitment even though fluctuations may be dampened by density-dependent mortality. By affecting both density-independent and density-dependent mortality, variation in habitat complexity may result in qualitative changes in the dynamics of populations. These findings suggest that the relative importance of pre- vs. post-settlement factors may be determined by quantifiable habitat features, rather than ambient recruitment level alone. Because the magnitude of recruitment fluctuations can affect species coexistence and the persistence of populations, habitat-driven changes in population dynamics may have important consequences for both community structure and population viability.     

磁铁矿纳米颗粒与Pb~(2+)复合物对大鼠肾细胞的毒性研究

磁铁矿纳米颗粒(magnetite nanoparticles, MNPs)是一种环境友好型吸附剂,广泛应用于废水中Pb~(2+)的处理。目前,有不少关于MNPs毒性的研究,但对MNPs处理Pb~(2+)形成的复合物的毒性却鲜有报道,其复合毒性亟待深入研究。本文以大鼠肾细胞(NRK)作为细胞模型,系统研究不同Pb含量的MNPs-Pb复合物,以及相应浓度的MNPs和Pb~(2+),对大鼠肾细胞活性、细胞形态和密度的影响,考察细胞对纳米颗粒的摄取以及细胞凋亡的作用机制,评估MNPs-Pb的毒性效应。结果表明,在本实验浓度和暴露时间(12 h)条件下,Pb~(2+)能够显著抑制细胞活性,改变细胞形态,促进细胞凋亡,对细胞有显著的毒性效应,并且呈现剂量相关性;利用MNPs吸附水环境中Pb~(2+)形成的复合物MNPs-Pb对大鼠肾细胞没有显著的毒性作用(P<0.05),MNPs对Pb~(2+)的吸附可能是Pb~(2+)的细胞毒性降低的原因。     

Histopathological impact of industrial wastewater on the vital organs of Oreochromis mossambicus

The acute toxicity of paper mill wastewater to Oreochromis mossambicus was investigated with the lethal concentration (LC50) value 6.5% for 96?h exposure. This concentration was used as a baseline to study the effects of paper mill effluent on histopathological changes in gills, liver, kidney, and brain of fish. In the gills, filament cell proliferation, cellular infiltration, hemorrhage, and epithelial lifting were observed. In the liver, vacuolation of hepatocytes and necrosis were noted. In kidney, exfoliation and swollen with pyknotic nuclei were identified. Similarly, the brain also showed enlarged pyramidal cells, binucleated nuclei, vacoulation, and necrosis. These changes occurred predominantly in 21days following exposure of fish to the industrial waste water. Paper mill wastewater was found to be highly toxic to fish.     

氯吡嘧磺隆和镉复合对斑马鱼肝脏的影响

为了探究污染物镉和氯吡嘧磺隆复合污染对非靶标生物斑马鱼的毒性作用,通过急性毒性试验,获得镉和氯吡嘧磺隆对斑马鱼的LC50.以LC25作为0水平,设置9个处理组进行试验,检测不同处理组斑马鱼96 h死亡率、斑马鱼肝脏中CAT、MDA和羧酸酯酶CarE.检测结果表明,镉和氯吡嘧磺隆对斑马鱼存在交互作用,当水体中镉浓度为3....     

Lethal effects of elevated pH and ammonia on juveniles of neotropical fish Colosoma macropomum (Pisces, Caracidae)

Ammonia is the main nitrogenous waste material excreted by gills, then is oxided first to nitrite and then to nitrate. The proportion of ionized-un-ionized ammonia depends on pH and temperature, when this variables increase in a solution containing ammonia the equation goes to left, so the proportion of NH3 increases and the solution becomes more toxic. The purpose of this study was to investigate the acute lethal effects of elevated pH and ammonia on tambaqui juveniles. With a constant ammonia concentration of 5.0 mg/l NH3, there was no mortality a pH of 6.0 (control) and 7.0; but was of 10-20% a pH of 8.0 and 100% at 9.0. The lethal effects of elevated pH and un-ionized ammonia should be recognized as a potential factor contributing to the variable success of tambaqui production ponds, but this species is highly resistant in comparison with other freshwater fish.     

Biodegradation of wastewater of Najafgarh drain,Delhi using autochthonous microbial consortia : a laboratory study

There are seventeen drains, which discharge their untreated urban and industrial wastewaters into the Delhi segment of river Yamuna. The Najafgarh drain is the first and the largest drain, and it alone contributes 1667.84 mld i.e. 60% of the total wastewater discharge into the river Yamuna and as such add 81.36 tons of BOD load per day. As per the available data approximately 95% of the wastewater of this drain is biodegradable. In the present study, an attempt has been made to reduce the BOD load and COD levels of wastewater of Najafgarh drain using autochthonous microbial consortium. During this study the raw wastewater samples were treated for 6 h time interval with different concentration of consortium. It was observed that by increasing the existing microbial population in the wastewater sample by 150-200% there is a significant decrease in BOD and COD levels. Finally, BOD/COD ratios before and after biotreatment have been analyzed to assess the efficacy of the natural consortium.     

The investigation of cytotoxic effects of refinery wastewater on root tip cells of Vicia faba L

The present study was carried out to evaluate the cytotoxic effects of refinery wastewater collected from different stations of the Kizilirmak river on Vicia faba L. root tip cells. For this aim, we used the germination percentage, root length, weight gain and micronucleus (MN) frequency as indicators of cytotoxicity. Additionally to the cytological analysis, DNA analyses were performed in root tips meristems of Vicia faba seeds treated with refinery wastewater. Heavy metal concentrations in the water samples were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The concentrations of heavy metals in the water were in the order of Pb>Zn>Fe>Cu>Ni>Cd>Hg. The highest germination percantage was observed in the control group (in proportion as 96%). Heavy metals in the water samples collected from Station I, II and III caused a decrease in the germination percentage as 48, 18 and 30%, respectively. The highest root length and weight gain was observed in the control group at the end of the experimental period. The least root length and weight gain was observed in seeds treated with wastewater collected from Station I. In the control group, the weights of all the seeds increased about 4.08 g when compared with initial weight. The root lengths of the control seeds were determined as 6.38 cm at the end of the experimental period. The weights of the seeds exposed to wastewaters obtained from Station I, II and III increased about 1.08, 3.03 and 2.01 g according to initial weight, respectively. Microscopic examination of V. faba root tip meristem cells showed that any example of the MN formation was not seen in the control group. The highest frequency of MN was observed in group treated with wastewater collected from Station I and least frequency of MN was observed in group treated with wastewater collected from Station II. It was also observed that the yields of DNA in the seeds exposed to wastewater were lower than recorded in the controls. Hence, DNA yields exposed to wastewater were run ahead on agarose gel according to the control group. The results clearly indicate that refinery wastewater had important cytotoxic effects on V. faba root tip cells. It was also observed that V. faba seeds are very sensitive and useful biomarkers for monitoring these effects in waters contaminated with heavy metals.     

Effects of the 1996 and 1998 positive sea-surface temperature anomalies on corals,coral diseases and fish in the Arabian Gulf (Dubai,UAE)

Two positive sea-surface temperature anomalies occurred in the Arabian Gulf in short sequence. Between May and August 1996 and 1998, sea-surface temperatures in the southern Arabian Gulf were elevated by 2°C above average. The consequences for coral fauna, coral diseases and coral regeneration were studied in Dubai (United Arab Emirates) between Jebel Ali and Ras Hasyan. In 1996, coral death was widespread, affecting primarily the genus Acropora. In Acropora-dominated areas, live coral cover was reduced from 90% to about 26% in 1996, while in 1998 only a reduction from 26% to 22% of the remaining coral cover occurred. In the study area, all six Acropora species suffered total mortality in 1996, thus the coral fauna was reduced from 34 species to 27. The nearest areas with surviving Acropora were 30 km to the east (Deira) and 20 km to the west (Al Jazira). Massive coral species suffered negligible mortality, and slowly increased in space cover. The Acropora overkill turned 7.9 km² (19.7% of total coral-covered area) of previously lush coral gardens into a dead framework that was increasingly bioeroded. Acropora recruitment only started in 1998, average recruit size in 1999 was 7Dž cm, and recruits were rare. Prior to the mass mortality event, coral diseases were common and seasonal (14LJ% of corals, mainly Acropora, affected in summer, in winter 7Lj%, mainly massives), after the mortality event seasonality was lost and infection remained below winter levels (6LJ%, only massives infected). In fish, overall species richness decreased from 95 to 64 species in point counts, but frequency only decreased in one species (Pseudochromis persicus). Guild structure changed inasmuch as herbivores and planktivores increased, and invertivores decreased, although differences were not statistically significant. The most abundant family, both prior to and after the coral mass mortality, was Lutjanidae. It appears that even though much of the coral was dead, the maintenance of structural complexity allowed the fish assemblage to avoid a similar catastrophic change to that experienced by the coral assemblage.     

Acute toxicity I: effect of profenofos and triazophos (organophosphates) and carbofuran and carbaryl (carbamates) to Labeo rohita

Profenofos and trizaophos (organophosphates) carbofuran and carbaryl (carbamates) are among the major toxicants polluting freshwater bodies, as well as exerting a significant effect on the health of fish. In this study, the 96 h LC₅₀ of the most commonly used organophosphates and carbamates was determined in one of the indigenous fish species, Labeo rohita fingerlings. Pesticides were applied to fingerlings that had been grown under optimized standard conditions under a maintained static bioassay system. Probit analysis was used for the determination of LC₅₀ values, which were ascertained as 6.64, 0.32, 1.4, and 8.24 mg/L for triazophos, profenofos, carbofuran, and carbaryl, respectively. Acute toxic stress was noted with fish exhibiting behavioral toxicity including suffocation, lying on the bottom, erratic swimming, lethargy and downward movements, and gulping prior to mortality.     

城镇污水处理厂进出水对日本青鱂早期阶段亚慢性毒性效应

采用日本青鳉胚胎及幼鱼暴露评估污水处理厂进出水的综合毒性效应。水样采自广州市3个污水处理厂的进水口和出水口。96 h青鳉幼鱼急性毒性试验表明:6个水样均没有对青鳉幼鱼产生急性毒性效应。14 d胚胎暴露试验结果:3个污水处理厂的进水及1号和3号污水处理厂的出水均引起胚胎死亡,胚胎孵化率均低于70%且均与对照组产生了显著性差异(p0.05)。3个厂的进水和1号、2号厂出水的鱼苗畸形率与对照组也有显著差异(p0.05),其中3号厂进水鱼苗畸形率高达(33.73±8.94)%。而6个水样的胚胎孵化时间均与对照组无显著差异(p0.05),均在9 d左右。7 d鱼苗暴露试验结果:1、2、3号3个水厂进水的鱼苗死亡率分别是(30.16±2.75)%,(24.07±1.60)%,(37.90±4.77)%,与对照组产生明显差异(p0.05)。出水对鱼苗的致死效应明显低于进水,但出水对鱼苗的致死效应相对于对照组仍有显著差异(p0.05)。     

Mortality estimates from repeated visual censuses of a parrotfish (Sparisoma viride) population: demographic implications

Repeated visual censuses of different categories (juveniles, females, territorial and group males) of the stoplight parrotfish (Sparisoma viride, a protogynous hermaphrodite) over a 3-year period indicated a relatively stable size and structure of the adult population. This allowed estimates of size-specific mortality, sex change, and territory acquisition probabilities from previously reported growth rates. Comparison of the predicted number of survivors, sex changers, and territory take overs with field observations indicates that our estimates are quite reliable. However, rather large differences in mortality are obtained for the largest three size classes (>25 cm), which may be due to reduced accuracy of length estimates of large fish. A pooled mortality for these classes is therefore suggested as a more realistic estimate. The life-history implications of our findings are investigated by comparing the predicted survival and future reproductive success of fish that change sex at different sizes. Ten percent of the adults reach an age of ca. 17 years, once a length of 20 cm is attained, as predicted from the pooled estimates. Calculations based on these estimates indicate that the predicted reproductive output of a 15-year-old fish (2500 matings) is the same for early (i.e. at 20 cm) and late (>30 cm) sex changers and for an average fish subject to the estimated daily sex change and territory acquisition probabilities. These findings suggest that S. viride individuals are able to flexibly adjust the timing of sex change in an adaptive way to unpredictable local conditions. However, independent mortality estimates are needed to corroborate our present findings. Received: 2 January 1997 / Accepted: 27 January 1997