Toxic effects of chlorpromazine on Carassius auratus and its oxidative stress

Under laboratory conditions, ecotoxicological effects of chlorpromazine (CPZ) on freshwater goldfish (Carassius auratus) were examined using the toxic culture experiment. The results showed that the median lethal concentration (LC₅₀) of CPZ toxic to Carassius auratus in 24, 48 and 96 h was 1.11, 0.43 and 0.32 mg/L, respectively. Thus, CPZ is an extreme toxicant to goldfish. Furthermore, there were significantly positive correlations between the ecotoxicological effects of CPZ and its concentrations, and the toxicity became higher as the exposure time increased. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in goldfish livers was significantly influenced by CPZ. At the same exposure time, the activity of SOD reduced first, and increased then, whereas the activity of CAT enhanced first and decreased then. At the same exposure levels of CPZ, the activity of SOD and CAT changed similarly, decreased first, then increased and decreased at last. Within the range of exposure concentrations, the changes in the activity of CAT can more easily reflect the oxidation stress in Carassius auratus by CPZ than those of SOD.     

Effects of chronic exposure of 2,4-dichlorophenol on the antioxidant system in liver of freshwater fish Carassius auratus

There were few reports on the antioxidant response of aquatic organisms exposed to 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP). This research explored the hepatic antioxidant responses of fish to long-term exposure of 2,4-DCP for the first time. Freshwater fish Carassius auratus were chosen as experimental animals. The fish were exposed to six different concentrations of 2,4-DCP (0.005-1.0 mg/l) for 40 days and then liver tissues were separated for determination. As shown from the results, 40 days afterwards, the activities of catalase (CAT) and selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase (Se-GPx) and the content of oxidized glutathione (GSSG) were induced significantly on the whole compared to control group; superoxide dismutase (SOD) responded to 2,4-DCP exposure at only 0.005 mg/l; the content of reduced glutathione (GSH) was suppressed continuously except Group 7; the activity of glutathione reductase was inhibited initially and then restored to control level from Group 4 on; glutathione S-transferase had only slight responses in Groups 3 and 4. Total glutathione (tGSH) and GSH/GSSG ratio were also calculated to analyze the occurrence of oxidative stress. Besides, good dose-effect relations, which cover most of the exposure concentration range, were found between 2,4-DCP level and CAT activity, GSSG content, Se-GPx activity, respectively. In conclusion, SOD and Se-GPx may be potential early biomarkers of 2,4-DCP contamination in aquatic ecosystems, and further studies will be necessary.     

Hydroxyl radical generation and oxidative stress in Carassius auratus liver as affected by 2,4,6-trichlorophenol

With Carassius auratus, one of the main economic fish species in Eastern China as test material, this paper studied the hydroxyl radical generation and oxidative stress in its liver under the effect of 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (2,4,6-TCP). Different doses of 2,4,6-TCP were injected intraperitoneally into the fishes, and the Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra of hepatic free radicals, activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione-s-transferase (GST), levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG), and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents were determined 24h after injection. The results showed that under the effects of 2,4,6-TCP, the generation of free radical that was considered to be hydroxyl radical increased significantly, the activities of antioxidant enzymes decreased, with CAT most strongly affected and followed by SOD and GST, the GSH level decreased significantly while GSSG level had little difference, resulting in a decreased GSH/GSSG ratio, and the MDA content increased significantly. All the test parameters showed that C. auratus was subjected to oxidative stress and damage when exposed to 2,4,6-TCP.     

Herbicide Roundup® and its main constituents cause oxidative stress and inhibit acetylcholinesterase in liver of Carassius auratus

Roundup® is a glyphosate-based herbicide containing a mixture of surfactants. This paper evaluates the toxic effects of Roundup® and its main constituents on the goldfish, Carassius auratus, after 7 days exposure. Fish were exposed to 0.16, 0.032 and 0.0064 mg/L of Roundup® [containing 41% isopropylamine salt of glyphosate (G.I.S) and 18% polyoxyethylene amine (POEA)], G.I.S, and POEA. Their livers were taken for determining reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, malondialdehye (MDA) content and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. Hydroxyl radical (·OH) could be induced by exposing Roundup® at a rate of 43%–111%, G.I.S at 90%–124% and POEA at142%–157%. A decreased SOD activity was observed in fish exposed to G.I.S and POEA. The contents of MDA significantly increased when exposed to Roundup® at all concentrations, 0.16 mg/L G.I.S and 0.032 mg/L POEA. The exposure led to an inhibition of AChE in livers overall during the experimental periods. POEA was more toxic than Roundup® or G.I.S during this experiment. AChE and ·OH are supposed to be sensitive biomarkers of the exposure of Roundup® and its main constituents to C. auratus.     

Effects of long-term alachlor exposure on hepatic antioxidant defense and detoxifying enzyme activities in crucian carp (Carassius auratus)

Alachlor has been widely used in agriculture all over the world. It is suggested that it may be a carcinogen and also an environmental estrogen. In this paper, the physiological and biochemical perturbations of crucian carp (Carassius auratus) exposed to alachlor at different concentrations over 60 days were investigated. The gonadosomatic index (GSI) and hepatosomatic index (HSI) were measured. The activity of hepatic antioxidant defense and detoxifying enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) and the content of glutathione (GSH) were determined and compared with the control group. The result showed that GSI and HSI decreased significantly (P<0.05) in almost all treatments. The activities of SOD, CAT and GST were induced continuously (P<0.05), while the content of reduced glutathione (GSH) was inhibited on the whole. These changes reflect that the antioxidant systems of the tested fishes were affected. The possible defense mechanistic implications about the changes were thus discussed. Furthermore, hepatic SOD and GST were sensitive to alachlor at low concentration, indicating that they might be potential biomarkers in early detection of alachlor contamination in aquatic ecosystems.     

Biomarker responses as indication of contaminant effects in Oreochromis niloticus

The current study investigated oxidative stress parameters (enzymes activities, metallothionein content and lipid peroxidation) in freshwater fish, Oreochromis niloticus, tilapia exposure to Monjolinho River (in 4 months of year: January, April, July and November). One critical site in Monjolinho River (site B) was assessed in comparison to a reference site (site A). Water pH and oxygen concentration was lower than that recommended by CONAMA (Brazilian National Environmental Committee), resolution 357/2005 for protection of aquatic communities, and ammonium and the metals Cu, Zn, Mn and Fe (on all months) concentrations were higher than the maximum concentration recommended. Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were significantly decreased in liver and muscle in tilapia from Monjolinho River, throughout the year, in relation to reference except in gills that SOD activity increased. Glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity was significantly increased in liver of the tilapia from Monjolinho River in all sites, in relation to reference except in gills that GST activity increased in July and decreased in November, suggesting that GST activity could be induced to neutralize the pollutants toxicity. On the other hand, GST activity was significantly decreased in white muscle indicating a toxic effect of pollutants, resulting in a decreased ability of tilapia to perform defense reactions associated to GSTs. The decrease of catalase (CAT) activity in gills of the O. niloticus together with the increase of SOD activity, could explain the increased lipid peroxidation (LPO) level in this organ. Metallothionein levels in liver and gills were significantly high in all sites. Results indicate that the exposure to metals caused severe damage to tissues; despite the consensually assumed antioxidant induction as a sign of exposure to contaminants the effects seem in part to be mediated by suppression of antioxidant system with SOD, CAT and GPx as potential candidates for tissues toxicity biomarkers of pollutants.     

Effects of malathion and chlorpyrifos on acetylcholinesterase and antioxidant defense system in Oxya chinensis (Thunberg) (Orthoptera: Acrididae)

The study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of malathion and chlorpyrifos on acetylcholinesterase (AChE), esterase (EST) activity and antioxidant system after topical application with different concentration to Oxya chinensis. The results showed that malathion and chlorpyrifos inhibited EST, AChE activity and increased malondialdehyde (MDA) contents. A change in superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione S-transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione reductase (GR) activity combined with reduced glutathione (GSH) and total glutathione (tGSH) contents was found in O. chinensis after malathion and chlorpyrifos treatments. Malathion and chlorpyrifos increased SOD and CAT activity compared with the control. With the concentrations increasing, SOD and CAT activity showed the similar tendency, namely, SOD and CAT activity increased at the lower concentrations and decreased at the higher concentrations. The results showed that malathion and chlorpyrifos decreased significantly GR activity. GST and GPx activity at the studied concentrations of chlorpyrifos was lower than that of the control. However, no significance was observed. GPx and GST activity in malathion treated grasshoppers showed a biphasic response with an initial increase followed by a decline in its activity. Malathion and chlorpyrifos decreased GSH contents and the ratio of GSH/GSSG. The present findings indicated that the toxicity of malathion and chlorpyrifos might be associated with oxidative stress.     

Physiological and molecular responses of the earthworm <Emphasis Type="Italic">Eisenia fetida</Emphasis> to polychlorinated biphenyl contamination in soil

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a class of man-made organic compounds ubiquitously present in the biosphere. In this study, we evaluated the toxic effects of different concentrations of PCBs in two natural soils (i.e. red soil and fluvo-aquic soil) on the earthworm Eisenia fetida. The parameters investigated included anti-oxidative response, genotoxic potential, weight variation and biochemical responses of the earthworm exposed to two different types of soils spiked with PCBs after 7 or 14 days of exposure. Earthworms had significantly lower weights in both soils after PCB exposure. PCBs significantly increased catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and guaiacol peroxidase (POD) activity in earthworms exposed to either soil type for 7 or 14 days and decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA) content in earthworms exposed to red soil for 14 days. Of the enzymes examined, SOD activity was the most sensitive to PCB stress. In addition, PCB exposure triggered dose-dependent coelomocyte DNA damage, even at the lowest concentration tested. This response was relatively stable between different soils. Three-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that the weight variation, anti-oxidant enzyme activities, and MDA contents were significantly correlated with exposure concentration or exposure duration (P < 0.01). Furthermore, weight variation, CAT activity, and SOD activity were significantly affected by soil type (P < 0.01). Therefore, the soil type and exposure time influence the toxic effects of PCBs, and these factors should be considered when selecting responsive biomarkers.     

Dermal exposure to pesticides modifies antioxidant enzymes in tissues of rats

Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activities were determined in rat tissues after dermal exposure to pesticides. Two experiments were conducted in male SD rats, 190-210 g body weight. Acephate (ACP), methamidophos (MAP) and nicotine (NIC) were dissolved either individually or together in 0.25 mL of 50% ethanol, which contained: AP = 12.6 or MAP 1.3 or NIC = 9.6 mg; EXP 1--individual pesticide exposure; 64 rats, 16/group; EXP 2--mixture of AP + MAP + NIC at levels of 1X, 2X, 3X; 48 rats, 12/group; 0.25 mL of solution or ethanol (Controls) was applied to 25 mm2 area of shaved skin 3 times a week. Half the rats were terminated after 4 weeks and the rest after 4 weeks of stopping exposure. Single pesticides decreased erythrocyte (RBC) SOD by 17% after exposure and in the NIC group after post exposure (P#0.05). Increasing concentrations of AP + MAP + NIC mixture elevated RBC SOD by 22% in the 2X and 3X groups and CAT by 13% in the 3X group (P#0.05); post exposure increased RBC SOD by 2-3 fold and CAT activity by 13% in all 3 groups. Liver GPX increased by 30-40% and CAT decreased by 12% in all exposed and post exposed groups (P#0.05). The results suggest that dermal exposure to mixtures of pesticides can selectively induce SOD, CAT and GPX activities in RBC and liver.     

Cobalt-induced oxidative stress in brain, liver and kidney of goldfish Carassius auratus

Cobalt is an essential element, but at high concentrations it is toxic. In addition to its well-known function as an integral part of cobalamin (vitamin B₁₂), cobalt has recently been shown to be a mimetic of hypoxia and a stimulator of the production of reactive oxygen species. The present study investigated the responses of goldfish, Carassius auratus, to 96 h exposure to 50, 100 or 150 mg L⁻¹ Co²⁺ in aquarium water (administered as CoCl₂). The concentrations of cobalt in aquaria did not change during fish exposure. Exposure to cobalt resulted in increased levels of lipid peroxides in brain (a 111% increase after exposure to 150 mg L⁻¹ Co²⁺) and liver (30-66% increases after exposure to 50-150 mg L⁻¹ Co²⁺), whereas the content of protein carbonyls rose only in kidney (by 112%) after exposure to 150 mg L⁻¹ cobalt. Low molecular mass thiols were depleted by 24-41% in brain in response to cobalt treatment. The activities of primary antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase, were substantially suppressed in brain and liver as a result of Co²⁺ exposure, whereas in kidney catalase activity was unchanged and SOD activity increased. The activities of glutathione-related enzymes, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione-S-transferase, did not change as a result of cobalt exposure, but glutathione reductase activity increased by ∼40% and ∼70% in brain and kidney, respectively. Taken together, these data show that exposure of fish to Co²⁺ ions results in the development of oxidative stress and the activation of defense systems in different goldfish tissues.     

Histopathological and biochemical alternations of the heart induced by acute cadmium exposure in the freshwater crab Sinopotamon yangtsekiense

Cadmium (Cd) is a highly toxic element in water. Its toxicity has been attributed to oxidative stress mediated by free radicals. Here we investigated the effects of Cd on the histopathology, antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation of crustacean heart. The freshwater crabs Sinopotamon yangtsekiense were exposed to different concentrations of Cd for 1, 3, 5 and 7 d. After exposure, histological abnormalities were discovered, including myocardial edema, vacuolar and vitreous degeneration, and infiltration of inflammatory cells. Additionally, alterations in nuclei, mitochondria, rough endoplasmic reticulum as well as myofibrils were observed. Meanwhile, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was significantly increased after Cd exposure. Catalase (CAT) activity was only increased in the group exposed to 14.50 mg L⁻¹ Cd on day 5 and decreased with increasing Cd concentration and exposure time. Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity was increased in groups treated with 29.00, 58.00 and 116.00 mg L⁻¹ on days 1 and 3, and decreased thereafter. Besides, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were significantly increased after 3 d of Cd exposure at all the indicated concentrations. These results showed that acute Cd exposure led to harmful effects on the histology of crab heart, which are most likely linked to Cd-induced oxidative stress.     

Detection of pentachlorophenol and its glucuronide and sulfate conjugates in fish bile and exposure water

The glucuronide and sulfate conjugates of pentachlorophenol (PCP) that were present in the bile and exposure water of goldfish (Carassius auratus) were used to develop methodology to quantify PCP and its metabolites. Reverse phase HPLC with radioactivity detection separated PCP and its metabolites, and was used to verify a method of quantification that used differential extraction and scintillation counting. Extractions of aqueous phase at pH 2 or 8, with butanol, ethyl acetate, or ether indicated that ether at pH 8 best separated PCP from its metabolites. The sulfate conjugate of PCP was the major metabolite produced when goldfish were exposed to 125 micrograms 14C-PCP/l. It was present primarily in the exposure water, but also appeared in the bile.     

Dermal exposure to pesticides modifies antioxidant enzymes in tissues of rats

Abstract

Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activities were determined in rat tissues after dermal exposure to pesticides. Two experiments were conducted in male SD rats, 190–210 g body weight. Acephate (ACP), methamidophos (MAP) and nicotine (NIC) were dissolved either individually or together in 0.25 mL of 50% ethanol, which contained: AP=12.6 or MAP 1.3 or NIC= 9.6 mg; EXP 1 ‐ individual pesticide exposure; 64 rats, 16/group; EXP 2 ‐ mixture of AP+MAP+NIC at levels of IX, 2X, 3X; 48 rats, 12/group; 0.25 mL of solution or ethanol (Controls) was applied to 25 mm² area of shaved skin 3 times a week. Half the rats were terminated after 4 weeks and the rest after 4 weeks of stopping exposure. Single pesticides decreased erythrocyte (RBC) SOD by 17 % after exposure and in the NIC group after post exposure (P#0.05). Increasing concentrations of AP+MAP+NIC mixture elevated RBC SOD by 22 % in the 2X and 3X groups and CAT by 13 % in the 3X group (P#0.05); post exposure increased RBC SOD by 2–3 fold and CAT activity by 13 % in all 3 groups. Liver GPX increased by 30–40 % and CAT decreased by 12 % in all exposed and post exposed groups (P#0.05). The results suggest that dermal exposure to mixtures of pesticides can selectively induce SOD, CAT and GPX activities in RBC and liver.     

Toxicity of copper excess on the lichen Dermatocarpon luridum: antioxidant enzyme activities

The aim of this study was to investigate the toxicity of copper on the aquatic lichen Dermatocarpon luridum focusing on the activities of some antioxidant enzymes. Investigations were conducted using increasing copper concentrations (0.00, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1.00 mM CuSO(4) x 5H(2)O) in synthetic freshwater that emulated the major ion compositions of its natural water biota; time course measurement was 0, 3, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h. The copper concentration in thalli increased with its increase in the medium and the duration of treatment. Copper induced lipid peroxidation, measured using the hydroperoxi-conjugated dienes (HPCD) concentration. The decrease in the protein concentrations was similar in thalli exposed to copper concentrations above 0.50 mM and the decrease was twice lower in thalli exposed to 0.25 mM copper. The activities of antioxidant enzymes measured were differently affected by copper excess. For 0.25 mM copper, the activities of SOD (superoxide dismutase) and APX (ascorbate peroxidase) were unchanged when compared with unstressed thalli whereas the CAT (catalase) activity increased and the GR (glutathione reductase) activity decreased. The activities of SOD and APX increased in thalli exposed to concentrations above 0.50mM copper. The CAT activity increased after the first 3h of experiments at these concentrations and then decreased with the duration of treatment at an activity lower than in the unstressed plant. Whereas the APX activity increased, the GR activity similarly decreased for the copper concentration tested whatever the duration of the experiment.     

Bioaccumulation, depuration and oxidative stress in fish Carassius auratus under phenanthrene exposure

In this study, laboratory experiment was carried out to determine phenanthrene bioaccumulation, depuration in whole fish and oxidative stress in the liver of freshwater fish Carassius auratus. Fish were exposed to 0.05 mg/l phenanthrene for different periods, while one control group was designated for each exposure group. Some fish after 7 days of exposure were transferred to diluted water. The concentrations of phenanthrene in fish were analyzed by HPLC. Twenty-four hours after the exposure, reactive oxygen species (ROS) were trapped by phenyl-tert-butylnitrone and detected by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione-s-transferase (GST) were also determined. The concentrations of phenanthrene in fish increased rapidly shortly after the start of the exposure, reached a maximum level at the 2 days, and then it declined quickly to low-level-steady state. The elimination process of phenanthrene could be divided into two periods-a fast elimination period following a slower loss period. The elimination curve could be fitted mathematically as the sum of two exponential functions according to two-compartment model: C(t)=2.72e(-1.065t) + 0.68e(-0.0364t). The PBN-radical adducts were detected in fish liver samples following the exposure 24h. The hyperfine splitting constants for the PBN-radical adducts were aN = 13.5 G, aH = 1.77 G and g value was 2.0058, which were consistent with those of PBN/()OH. The results indicated that the hydroxyl radical was probably significantly induced during the exposure of phenanthrene, as compared to the control group. The changes of activities of the antioxidant enzymes also were observed. In addition, after fish were removed from phenanthrene exposure, the recovery status of these antioxidant indices was explored. These results clearly indicated phenanthrene could be accumulated in fish and similar redox cyclings were produced, resulting in the changes of the activities of the antioxidant enzymes and the production of ROS with the oxidative stress.     

Effects of cadmium exposure on digestive enzymes, antioxidant enzymes, and lipid peroxidation in the freshwater crab Sinopotamon henanense

In this study, the effects of cadmium (Cd) stress on the activities of disaccharidases (sucrase, lactase, and maltase), amylase, trypsin, pepsase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and malondialdehyde (MDA) content in the alimentary system of freshwater crabs Sinopotamon henanense were studied. Results showed that the enzyme activities in the stomach, intestine, and hepatopancreas changed with Cd concentration. In terms of digestive enzymes, Cd exposure had an inhibitory effect on the activities of the disaccharidases, amylase, and pepsase (only in the stomach). Significant induction of trypsin activity by Cd at a lower concentration was observed, but as Cd concentration increased, trypsin activity decreased. Maltase activity showed a slight recovery after inhibition by Cd. The activities of SOD and CAT increased initially and decreased subsequently. Cd significantly inhibited the activity of GPx. MDA content increased with increasing concentration of Cd. These results showed that acute Cd exposure led to harmful effects on the alimentary system of crabs, which are likely linked to Cd induced oxidative stress.     

Physiological effects of tetracycline antibiotic pollutants on non-target aquatic Microcystis aeruginosa

This study aimed to evaluate the aquatic toxicity of three typical tetracycline antibiotics, including tetracycline, oxytetracycline, and chlortetracycline, on the cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa. The cell density, chlorophyll a content, protein content, and enzymatic antioxidant activities were determined. The results showed that the cell growth was significantly inhibited by the three compounds at a low concentration. The chlorophyll a and protein content decreased significantly after exposure to 0.05 mg L^?1 of each compound for 9 d. When exposed to 0.2–1 mg L^?1 of tetracycline, the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity increased, but peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) activities decreased. In contrast, when exposed to oxytetracycline and chlortetracycline at different concentrations ranging from 0.2 to 1 mg L^?1 and from 0.01 to 0.05 mg L^?1, the SOD activity decreased, but the POD and CAT activities increased. These findings indicate that tetracycline antibiotics influence cell growth and protein synthesis, and they also induce oxidative stress in M. aeruginosa at environmentally similar concentrations. Thus, this study may provide further insights into the toxic effects of tetracycline antibiotics and the controlled use of antibiotics.     

Effects of phenanthrene on the mortality, growth, and anti-oxidant system of earthworms (Eisenia fetida) under laboratory conditions

To assess the toxic effects of phenanthrene on earthworms, we exposed Eisenia fetida to artificial soils supplemented with different concentrations (0.5, 2.5, 12.5, mgkg(-1) soil) of phenanthrene. The residual phenanthrene in the soil, the bioaccumulation of phenanthrene in earthworms, and the subsequent effects of phenanthrene on growth, anti-oxidant enzyme activities, and lipid peroxidation (LPO) were determined. The degradation rate of low concentrations of phenanthrene was faster than it was for higher concentrations, and the degradation half-life was 7.3d (0.5 mgkg(-1)). Bioaccumulation of phenanthrene in the earthworms decreased the phenanthrene concentration in soils, and phenanthrene content in the earthworms significantly increased with increasing initial soil concentrations. Phenanthrene had a significant effect on E. fetida growth, and the 14-d LC(50) was calculated as 40.67 mgkg(-1). Statistical analysis of the growth inhibition rate showed that the concentration and duration of exposure had significant effects on growth inhibition (p<0.001). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity increased at the beginning (2 and 7d) and decreased in the end (14 and 28 d). Catalase (CAT) activity in all treatments was inhibited from 1 to 14 d of exposure. However, no significant perturbations in malondialdehyde (MDA) content were noted between control and phenanthrene-treated earthworms except after 2d of exposure. These results revealed that bioaccumulation of phenanthrene in E. fetida caused concentration-dependent, sub-lethal toxicity. Growth and superoxide dismutase activity can be regarded as sensitive parameters for evaluating the toxicity of phenanthrene to earthworms.     

Toxicity assessment of municipal sewage treatment plant effluent by an integrated biomarker response in the liver of crucian carp (Carassius auratus)

In this study, crucian carp (Carassius auratus) was exposed to the increasing concentrations of municipal sewage treatment plant effluent (MSTPE) for 15 days, and the activities of antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and acetylcholinesterase (AChE), together with the contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) in the liver of C. auratus were investigated. Moreover, the integrated biomarker response (IBR) approach was applied to assess the adverse effects of MSTPE in freshwater. The aim of the study was to provide an effective biological indicator for evaluating the toxicity effects and ecological risks of MSTPE in the freshwater environment quantitatively. Results showed that MSTPE could cause oxidative damage to the liver of C. auratus, which reflected through the increasing MDA content over the exposure period. MSTPE also led to the biochemical responses of antioxidant defense in C. auratus liver, such as the enhancement of SOD, CAT, and GPx activities, as well as the inhibition of AChE activity and GSH content. It was found that MDA, SOD, GPx, and GSH could be used as the biomarkers for reflecting the adverse effects of MSTPE in the receiving freshwater on the 12th day of exposure. A significant increase of IBR values was observed as the increasing concentration of MSTPE, and the IBR values presented a significant positive correlation (r?=?0.891, P?<?0.05) with the increasing concentrations of MSTPE, indicating that IBR approach is a promising tool for assessing the toxicity effects of MSTPE in environmental freshwater.