Waterborne copper exposure inhibits ammonia excretion and branchial carbonic anhydrase activity in euryhaline guppies acclimated to both fresh water and sea water

The effects of winter cold on acute copper bioaccumulation and toxicity in brook char (Salvelinus fontinalis)

Freshwater fish that are acutely exposed to copper (Cu) can experience disturbances of ion regulation and ammonia excretion. Temperature has been shown to affect Cu bioaccumulation and toxicity in fish, but the focus has largely been on warm temperature effects. Yet, acclimation of freshwater fish to near-freezing temperatures encountered during the winter of temperate regions can challenge fish condition and physiology, including ion regulation. Thus, temperate freshwater fish might be particularly sensitive to Cu in the winter. We investigated how winter cold affects acute Cu bioaccumulation and toxicity in juvenile brook char (Salvelinus fontinalis). Following gradual acclimation to cold temperature (-2 °C/week from 14 °C, then 4 weeks at 3 °C) vs. a warmer temperature around the species thermal optimum (14 °C for 9 weeks), and following a cold challenge (-3 °C/day from 14 °C, then 24 h at 3 °C) vs. a cold acclimation (-2 °C/week from 14 °C, then 13 weeks at 3 °C), we measured gill-Cu bioaccumulation, net fluxes of ammonia (NH3), chloride (Cl-) and net and unidirectional fluxes of sodium (Na+) over a 30-h Cu exposure. Overall, winter cold did not appear to be challenging to brook char, as cold-acclimated fish had a higher fish condition and showed no sign of ion regulation impairment or increased Cu sensitivity. Contrary to our prediction, we found that Cu bioaccumulation over a 30-h Cu exposure was not significantly affected by acclimation temperature. Effects of temperature on Cu physiological effects were relatively limited (mainly on inhibition of Na+ influx and of NH3 excretion), with slightly greater effects observed in 14 °C-acclimated fish.

Trace metals in the teleost fish gill: biological roles, uptake regulation, and detoxification mechanisms

In fish, the gill plays a vital role in regulating the absorption of trace metals and is also highly susceptible to metal toxicity. Trace metals such as iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and manganese (Mn) are involved in various catalytic activities and molecular binding within the gill, thereby supporting a range of physiological processes in this organ. While beneficial at normal levels, these metals can become toxic when present in excess. Conversely, nonessential metals like cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) can gain entry into gill cells through similar metal transport pathways, potentially interfering with various cellular processes. The transepithelial transport of these metals across the gill epithelium is governed by a variety of metal transport and metal binding proteins. These include the Cu transporter 1 (CTR1), divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1), and members of the Zrt-/Irt-like protein (ZIP) and zinc transport (ZnT) families. Additionally, some of these metals can compete with major ions (e.g., calcium, sodium) for absorption sites in the gill. This complex crosstalk suggests an interdependent mechanism that balances metal uptake to meet physiological needs while preventing excessive accumulation. In this article, I review the roles of trace metals in proteins/enzymes that support the different functions in the gill of teleost fish. I also discuss current understanding of the pathways involved in regulating the branchial uptake of metals and their influence on ionic regulation, and the potential detoxification mechanisms in the gill. Finally, I summarize knowledge gaps and potential areas for further investigation.

Copper oxide nanoparticles: In vitro and in vivo toxicity, mechanisms of action and factors influencing their toxicology

Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) have received increasing interest due to their distinctive properties, including small particle size, high surface area, and reactivity. Due to these properties, their applications have been expanded rapidly in various areas such as biomedical properties, industrial catalysts, gas sensors, electronic materials, and environmental remediation. However, because of these widespread uses, there is now an increased risk of human exposure, which could lead to short- and long-term toxicity. This review addresses the underlying toxicity mechanisms of CuO NPs in cells which include reactive oxygen species generation, leaching of Cu ion, coordination effects, non-homeostasis effect, autophagy, and inflammation. In addition, different key factors responsible for toxicity, characterization, surface modification, dissolution, NPs dose, exposure pathways and environment are discussed to understand the toxicological impact of CuO NPs. In vitro and in vivo studies have shown that CuO NPs cause oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and inflammation in bacterial, algal, fish, rodents, and human cell lines. Therefore, to make CuO NPs a more suitable candidate for various applications, it is essential to address their potential toxic effects, and hence, more studies should be done on the long-term and chronic impacts of CuO NPs at different concentrations to assure the safe usage of CuO NPs.

Copper exposure does not alter the ability of intertidal sea cucumber Cucumaria miniata to tolerate emersion during low tide

Intertidal animals experience cycles of tidal emersion from water and are vulnerable to copper (Cu) exposure due to anthropogenic toxicant input into marine waters. Both emersion and Cu toxicity can cause damage to physiological processes like aerobic metabolism, ammonia excretion, and osmoregulation, but the interactions of the combination of these two stressors on marine invertebrates are understudied. Mixed effects of 96 h of low and high Cu exposure (20 and 200 μg/L) followed by 6 h of tidal emersion were evaluated on the intertidal sea cucumber Cucumaria miniata. The respiratory tree accumulated the highest concentrations of Cu, followed by the introvert retractor muscle, body wall, and coelomic fluid. Emersion affected accumulation of Cu, perhaps by inhibiting excretion. 200 μg/L of Cu increased lactate production in the respiratory tree, indicative of damaged aerobic metabolism. Cu diminished ammonia excretion, but emersion increased oxygen uptake and ammonia excretion upon re-immersion. The combination of the two stressors did not have any interactive effects on metabolism or ammonia excretion. Neither Cu exposure nor emersion altered ion (sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium) content of the coelomic fluid. Overall, results of this study suggest that Cu exposure does not alter C. miniata's high tolerance to emersion, and some potential strategies that this species uses to overcome environmental stress are illuminated.

Disturbing ion regulation and excretion in medaka (Oryzias melastigma) gills by microplastics: Insights from the gut-gill axis

The accumulation of microplastics (MPs) in fish gills has been widely recognized, however, whether such stress could thereby impact the physiological responses of fish gills is still unknown. Here, we investigated the impacts of three sizes (400 nm, 4 μm, 20 μm) of polystyrene (PS) MPs on (Na⁺, K⁺, Cl^-) ions regulation and ammonia excretion in medaka Oryzias melastigma. Significantly increased net Na⁺ and K⁺ flux rates were observed transiently during 0-3 h and 3-9 h, but not during 9-24 h. Such results suggest that the physiological resilience of fish gills regarding Na⁺ and K⁺ regulation was unaffected upon the exposure to PS-MPs, probably evidenced by the increased secretion of mucus. However, Cl^- regulation and ammonia excretion were significantly impaired, partly in consistent with the damages of ionocytes. The adverse impacts of PS-MPs on Cl^- regulation and ammonia excretion were size-dependent, with significant disturbances observed in 4 μm and 20 μm treated group for Cl^- regulation, but only in 20 μm treated group for ammonia excretion. The specific enrichment of Shinella and lower abundance of function profiles related to ion transport and metabolism might be responsible for the specific disturbance of Cl^- regulation found in the 4 μm treated group. The enrichment of Gemmobacter also accounted for the disturbances of ammonia excretion in 20 μm treated group. Our results highlighted the impacts of PS-MPs on the physiological functions in fish gills.

Adverse Outcome Pathways for Chronic Copper Toxicity to Fish and Amphibians

In the present review, we synthesize information on the mechanisms of chronic copper (Cu) toxicity using an adverse outcome pathway framework and identify three primary pathways for chronic Cu toxicity: disruption of sodium homeostasis, effects on bioenergetics, and oxidative stress. Unlike acute Cu toxicity, disruption of sodium homeostasis is not a driving mechanism of chronic toxicity, but compensatory responses in this pathway contribute to effects on organism bioenergetics. Effects on bioenergetics clearly contribute to chronic Cu toxicity with impacts at multiple lower levels of biological organization. However, quantitatively translating these impacts into effects on apical endpoints such as growth, amphibian metamorphosis, and reproduction remains elusive and requires further study. Copper-induced oxidative stress occurs in most tissues of aquatic vertebrates and is clearly a significant driver of chronic Cu toxicity. Although antioxidant responses and capacities differ among tissues, there is no clear indication that specific tissues are more sensitive than others to oxidative stress. Oxidative stress leads to increased apoptosis and cellular damage in multiple tissues, including some that contribute to bioenergetic effects. This also includes oxidative damage to tissues involved in neuroendocrine axes and this damage likely alters the normal function of these tissues. Importantly, Cu-induced changes in hormone concentrations and gene expression in endocrine-mediated pathways such as reproductive steroidogenesis and amphibian metamorphosis are likely the result of oxidative stress-induced tissue damage and not endocrine disruption. Overall, we conclude that oxidative stress is likely the primary driver of chronic Cu toxicity in aquatic vertebrates, with bioenergetic effects and compensatory response to disruption of sodium homeostasis contributing to some degree to observed effects on apical endpoints. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:2911-2927. © 2022 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.

Investigating the mechanisms of dissolved organic matter protection against copper toxicity in fish of Amazon's black waters

We investigated how natural dissolved organic matter (DOM) of the Rio Negro (Amazon) affects acute copper (Cu) toxicity to local fish: the cardinal tetra (Paracheirodon axelrodi) and the dwarf cichlid (Apistogramma agassizii). It is established that Cu²⁺ complexation with DOM decreases Cu bioavailability (and thus toxicity) to aquatic organisms, as conceptualized by the Biotic Ligand Model (BLM). However, we also know that Rio Negro's DOM can interact with fish gills and have a beneficial effect on Na⁺ homeostasis, the main target of acute Cu toxicity in freshwater animals. We aimed to tease apart these potential protective effects of DOM against Cu-induced Na⁺ imbalances in fish. In the laboratory, we acclimated fish to Rio Negro water (10 mg L^-1 DOC) and to a low-DOM water (1.4 mg L^-1 DOC) with similar ion composition and pH (5.9). We measured 3-h Cu uptake in gills and unidirectional and net Na⁺ physiological fluxes across a range of Cu concentrations in both waters. Various DOM pre-acclimation times (0, 1 and 5 days) were evaluated in experiments with P. axelrodi. Copper exposure led to similar levels of net Na⁺ loss in the two fish, but with distinct effects on Na⁺ influx and efflux rates reflecting their different ionoregulation strategies. Rio Negro DOM protected against Cu uptake and toxicity in the two fish species. Both Cu uptake in fish gills and Na⁺ regulation disturbances were relatively well predicted by the modelled aqueous free Cu²⁺ ion concentration. These findings suggest that protection by DOM occurs mainly from Cu complexation under the tested conditions. The prevalence of this geochemical-type protection over a physiological-type protection agrees with the BLM conceptual framework, supporting the use of the BLM to assess the risk of Cu in these Amazonian waters.

Metal Accumulation and Ion Regulation in the Fish Hyphessobrycon luetkenii Living in a Site Chronically Contaminated by Copper: Insights from Translocation Experiments

Fish living in the João Dias creek (southern Brazil) have to deal with trace-metal contamination in the long-term basis, as this aquatic environment has been historically impacted by copper mining activities. In order to survive in this harsh environment, the local biota had to develop adaptations related to pollution tolerance. The aim of this study was to test if biochemical mechanisms related to osmoregulation were among these adaptations, using translocation experiments. Water ionic and trace-metal compositions were measured in a nonmetal impacted site (NMIS) and in a metal impacted site (MIS) of this creek. Also, whole-body metal accumulation, ion concentration and branchial enzyme activity (Na,K-ATPase and carbonic anhydrase) were evaluated in Hyphessobrycon luetkenii. In both NMIS and MIS, fish were collected and immediately stored, kept caged or translocated from sites. The result shows that waterborne Cu was 3.4-fold higher at the MIS. Accordingly, animals that had contact with this site showed elevated whole-body Cu levels. Moreover, both translocated groups showed elevated Na,K-ATPase activity. Additionally, fish translocated from the NMIS to the MIS showed lower carbonic anhydrase activity. These findings indicate that H. luetkenii chronically or acutely exposed to naturally elevated waterborne Cu showed a rapid Cu bioaccumulation but was unable to readily excrete it. Moreover, classic Cu osmoregulatory toxicity related to Na,K-ATPase inhibition was not observed. Conversely, impacts in ammonia excretion related to carbonic anhydrase inhibition may have occurred.

Reductionist approaches to the study of ionoregulation in fishes

The mechanisms underlying ionoregulation in fishes have been studied for nearly a century, and reductionist methods have been applied at all levels of biological organization in this field of research. The complex nature of ionoregulatory systems in fishes makes them ideally suited to reductionist methods and our collective understanding has been dramatically shaped by their use. This review provides an overview of the broad suite of techniques used to elucidate ionoregulatory mechanisms in fishes, from the whole-animal level down to the gene, discussing some of the advantages and disadvantages of these methods. We provide a roadmap for understanding and appreciating the work that has formed the current models of organismal, endocrine, cellular, molecular, and genetic regulation of ion balance in fishes and highlight the contribution that reductionist techniques have made to some of the fundamental leaps forward in the field throughout its history.

Physio-biochemical, metabolic nitrogen excretion and ion-regulatory assessment in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) following exposure to high environmental iron

Iron overload is a significant water quality issue in many parts of the world. Therefore, we evaluated the potential toxic effects of waterborne elevated iron on largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), a highly valued sport and aquaculture fish species. First, a 96 h-LC₅₀ toxicity assay was performed to understand the tolerance limit of this species to iron; and was determined to be 22.07 mg/L (as Fe³⁺). Thereafter, to get a better insight on the fish survival during long-term exposure to high environmental iron (HEI) (5.52 mg/L, 25% of the determined 96 h-LC₅₀ value), a suite of physio-biochemical, nitrogenous metabolic and ion-regulatory compensatory responses were examined at 7, 14, 21 and 28 days. Results showed that oxygen consumption dropped significantly at 21 and 28 days of HEI exposure. Ammonia excretion rate (J_amm) was significantly inhibited from day 14 and remained suppressed until the last exposure period. The transcript concentration of Rhesus glycoproteins Rhcg2 declined; likely diminishing ammonia efflux out of gills. These changes were also reflected by a parallel increment in plasma ammonia levels. Under HEI exposure, ion-balance was negatively affected, manifested by reduced plasma [Na⁺] and parallel inhibition in branchial Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase activity. Muscle water content was elevated in HEI-exposed fish, signifying an osmo-regulatory compromise. HEI exposure also increased iron burden in plasma and gills. The iron accumulation pattern in gills was significantly correlated with a suppression of J_amm, branchial Rhcg2 expression and Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase activity. There was also a decline in the glycogen, protein and lipid reserves in the hepatic tissue from 14 days, 28 days and 21 days, respectively. Overall, we conclude that sub-lethal chronic iron exposure can impair normal physio-biochemical and ion-regulatory functions in largemouth bass. Moreover, this data set can be applied in assessing the environmental risk posed by a waterborne iron overload on aquatic life.

Combining elevated temperature with waterborne copper: Impacts on the energy metabolism of the killifish Poecilia vivipara

We have previously demonstrated in a companion work that acclimation to 28 °C potentiated waterborne copper (Cu) toxic effects in Poecilia vivipara through oxidative stress-related processes. In the present study, we hypothesized that these results were related to kinetic metabolic adjustments in enzymes from aerobic and anaerobic pathways. To test this, P. vivipara was acclimated to two temperatures (22 °C or 28 °C) for three weeks and then exposed to Cu (control, 9 or 20 μg/L) for 96 h. The activity of enzymes from glycolysis (pyruvate kinase [PK] and lactate dehydrogenase [LDH]), Krebs cycle (citrate synthase [CS]) and the electron transport chain system (ETS) were assessed in gills, liver and muscle. Interactive effects were only seen for hepatic LDH activity, as both metal exposure and heat stress, combined or not, inhibited this enzyme, showing a suppression in anaerobic pathways. Conversely, a Cu main effect was present in the liver, expressed as an elevation in ETS activity, showing an enhancement in hepatic aerobic metabolism likely related with the very energy-demanding process of metal detoxification. Moreover, this study shows that P. vivipara has a remarkable ability to compensate heat stress in terms of energy metabolism, as we could not observe acclimation temperature effects for most of the cases. Nonetheless, a tissue-dependent effect of elevated temperature was observed, as we could observe an inhibition in muscular CS activity. Finally, it is concluded that kinetic adjustments in terms of the energy metabolism are not related with the temperature-dependent elevation of Cu toxicity in P. vivipara as we previously hypothesized.

Developmental toxicity of copper in marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma) embryos and larvae

Copper as developmental toxicants have been reported extensively in freshwater fish, however, the sublethal and chronic toxic effects of Cu to the early life stages of marine fish are not clear. Embryo (3-5 hpf) and newly hatched larvae of marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma) were exposed to 0.01-1.28 mg L^-1 waterborne Cu to investigate the developmental toxic effects. The results showed that Cu accumulation in the whole embryos presented a dose- and time-response increase while it decreased dramatically once hatching. Most of Cu accumulated in the chorion suggests that chorion is an effective barrier to Cu absorption. However, Cu that penetrated chorion and entered embryo still caused significant lethal and sublethal effects. Cu concentrations at ≥0.16 mg L^-1 led to low hatchability, delayed hatching, high mortality, morphological abnormalities and increased egg size in the embryos. Heart beats and the total body length of the newly hatched larvae were significantly increased when exposed to ≥0.02 mg L^-1. Cu exposure accelerated early development and promoted or delayed hatching of embryo. High Cu concentration (≥0.16 mg L^-1) exposure induced morphological abnormalities of embryo and larvae, particularly skeletal and vascular system abnormalities and reduction of pigmentation. The 30 d-LC₅₀ for embryo development was 0.138 mg L^-1 and 7d LC₅₀ for larvae survival was 10.15 mg L^-1, demonstrating that embryos were more sensitive to Cu than larvae. In summary, O. melastigma embryos development is highly sensitive to Cu exposure, and the sublethal effects occurred at low Cu concentration might be as potential biomarkers in marine fish.

The acute toxic effects of hexavalent chromium on the liver of marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma)

Chromium is toxic to marine animals and can cause damage to many of their organs, including the liver. To test the toxicity of chromium on marine organisms, we exposed the liver of the marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma) with hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)]. Our results show that Cr enrichment in the liver demonstrates a positive correlation to the exposure concentration. With the increase of Cr(VI) concentration, pathological changes including nuclear migration, cell vacuolization, blurred intercellular gap, nuclear condensation, become noticeable. To further study changes in gene expression in the liver after Cr(VI) exposure, we used RNA-seq to compare expression profiles before and after Cr(VI) exposure. After acute Cr(VI) exposure (2.61 mg/l) for 96 h, 5862 transcripts significantly changed. It is the first time that the PPAR pathway was found to respond sensitively to Cr(VI) exposure in fish. Finally, combined with other published study, we found that there may be some difference between Cr(VI) toxicity in seawater fish and freshwater fish, due to degree of oxidative stress, distribution patterns and detailed Cr(VI) toxicological mechanisms. Not only does our study explore the mechanisms of Cr(VI) toxicity on the livers of marine medaka, it also points out different Cr(VI) toxicity levels and potential mechanisms between seawater fish and freshwater fish.

Effects of copper on a reconstructed freshwater rainbow trout gill epithelium: Paracellular and intracellular aspects

The barrier properties and intracellular responses of a primary cultured trout gill epithelium (containing both mitochondria-rich and pavement cells) were examined over 24 h of copper (Cu) exposure (0, 200 and 1000 μg/L) in apical fresh water. Transepithelial resistance (TER) and mRNA abundance of tight junction proteins zonula occludens-1, occludin, cingulin, claudin-8d and -28b were examined as endpoints of barrier function and the paracellular pathway. Intracellular endpoints analyzed were Cu accumulation, Na⁺ content, carbonic anhydrase activity and mRNA abundance of carbonic anhydrase (ca-II) and Na⁺/K⁺ ATPase (nka α1a and nka α1b isoforms). After a brief initial drop in TER in the 1000 μg Cu/L treatment, Cu at both levels increased TER over the first 6 h of exposure but there were no differences among groups from 12 h onwards. After 24 h of Cu exposure, there were no differences in mRNA abundance of any of the tight junction proteins examined. Cu accumulation occurred at 1000 μg Cu/L (5.5-fold increase), but no depletion of Na⁺ content. Carbonic anhydrase activity decreased significantly (by 76%), however Cu exposure did not alter the transcript abundance of ca-II, nka α1a, or nka α1b. This study provides a first report of carbonic anhydrase sensitivity to Cu exposure in a cultured model gill epithelium. We conclude that Cu impacts the permeability of this model during the early stages of exposure and that the use of carbonic anhydrase inhibition as an endpoint of metal toxicity in this model preparation may be useful for future mechanistic investigations and environmental monitoring.

Life-time exposure to waterborne copper IV: Sperm quality parameters are negatively affected in the killifish Poecilia vivipara

In previous studies, we have shown that copper (Cu) is significantly accumulated in various tissues of killifish Poecilia vivipara following chronic exposure. Also, we showed that chronic metal exposure disrupted energy production and growth in this species. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate if chronic exposure to this metal could also affect reproductive parameters of P. vivipara males (sperm quality). In order to test that, newborn (<24 h-old) fish were exposed to two concentrations of waterborne Cu (5 and 9 μg/L) for 345 days. After exposure, fish were euthanized and the testes were collected for sperm analysis. We could observe that exposed animals had reduced sperm motility and period of motility. Also, the sperm of exposed fish had reduced plasma membrane integrity, mitochondrial functionality and DNA integrity when compared to sperm of control animals. It is suggested that the well-known association of Cu with elevated oxidative damage, endocrine disruption and energetic disturbance are involved with the observed outcomes. The results obtained in the present study show that chronic exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of waterborne Cu caused reductions in all parameters used to evaluate sperm quality. Therefore, it is concluded that life-time exposure to this metal may disrupt fish reproduction and negatively affect the maintenance of its populations.

A Cu(II) Indicator Platform Based on Cu(II) Induced Swelling that Changes the Extent of Fluorescein Self-Quenching

In this study, we established a new fluorescent indicator platform. The responsive element consists of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) nanospheres that include small percentages of fluorescein and a ligand, anilinodiacetate (phenylIDA). Nanosphere diameters were determined to be in the range from 50 to 90 nm by scanning electron microscopy. They were entrapped in a polyacrylamide gel to prevent nanosphere aggregation. At pH 6, the ligand is negatively charged in the absence of metal ions. Charge-charge repulsion causes the nanosphere to swell. Dynamic light scattering measurements show that these nanospheres do not shrink and aggregate at high temperature. Cu(II) binding neutralizes the charge causing the particles to shrink. This brings fluoresceins closer together, increasing the degree of self-quenching. The intensity decreases by 30% as Cu(II) concentration increases. To rule out the possibility that the observed decrease in intensity was due to Cu(II) quenching of fluorescence, we also added Zn(II) and observed a decrease in intensity. This approach can be adapted to sense different metal ions and different concentrations of Cu(II) by changing the ligand.

Carbonic anhydrase integrated into a multimarker approach for the detection of the stress status induced by pollution exposure in Mytilus galloprovincialis: A field case study

The work was addressed to study the sensitivity of the enzyme carbonic anhydrase (CA) to chemical pollution in the hepatopancreas of the bioindicator organism Mytilus galloprovincialis in the context of a multimarker approach in view of ecotoxicological biomonitoring and assessment application. The study was carried out by means of a transplanting experiment in the field, using caged organisms from an initial population exposed in the field in two areas of interest: Augusta-Melilli-Priolo, an heavy polluted industrial site (eastern Sicily, Italy), and Brucoli (eastern Sicily, Italy) an area not affected by any contamination and selected as a reference site. Mussels in Augusta presented a significant increase in the digestive gland CA activity and gene expression compared to the animals caged in the control site of Brucoli. The CA response in animals from the polluted site was paralleled by proliferation/increase in the size of lysosomes, as assessed by Lysosensor green charged cells, induction of metallothionein, up-regulation of hif-α (hypoxia-inducible factor), metabolic changes associated with protein metabolism, and changes in the condition factor. Biological responses data were integrated with information about sediment chemical analysis and metal residue concentration in animal soft tissues. In conclusion, obtained results highlighted the induction of CAs in the hepatopancreas of Mytilus galloprovincialis following to pollution exposure, and demonstrated its suitability to be integrated into a multimarker approach for the detection and characterization of the stress status induced by pollution exposure in this bioindicator organism.

Transcriptional effects in the estuarine guppy Poecilia vivipara exposed to sanitary sewage in laboratory and in situ

The urban growth has increased sanitary sewage discharges in coastal ecosystems, negatively affecting the aquatic biota. Mangroves, one of the most human-affected coastal biomes, are areas for reproduction and nursing of several species. In order to evaluate the effects of sanitary sewage effluents in mangrove species, this study assessed the hepatic transcriptional responses of guppy fish Poecilia vivipara exposed to sanitary sewage 33% (v:v), using suppressive subtraction hybridization (SSH), high throughput sequencing of RNA (Ion-proton) and quantification of transcript levels by qPCR of some identified genes in fish kept in a sewage-contaminated environment. Genes identified are related predominantly to xenobiotic biotransformation, immune system and sexual differentiation. The qPCR results confirmed the induction of cytochrome P450 1A (CYP1A), glutathione S transferase A-like (GST A-like) methyltransferase (MET) and UDP glycosyltransferase 1A (UDPGT1A), and repression of complement component C3 (C3), doublesex and mab-3 related transcription factor 1 (DMRT1), and transferrin (TF) in the laboratory experiment. In the field exposure, the transcript levels of CYP1A, DMRT1, MET, GST A-like and UDPGT1A were higher in fishes exposed at the contaminated sites compared to the reference site. Chemical analysis in fish from the laboratory and in situ experiments, and surface sediment from the sewage-contaminated sites revealed relevant levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs) and linear alkylbenzenes (LABs). These data reinforce the use of P. vivipara as a sentinel for monitoring environmental contamination in coastal regions.

Sensitivity of white sturgeon and rainbow trout to waterborne copper exposure: A comparative study of copper-induced disruption of sodium homeostasis

Recent studies have demonstrated that white sturgeon are more sensitive to acute exposure to Cu than rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), especially during early life-stages. However, the physiological mechanisms underlying this difference in sensitivity to Cu is not known. In the present study, we first confirmed the higher sensitivity (lower 96 h LC₅₀ values) of white sturgeon to Cu at three different life stages (larva, swim-up, and juvenile) relative to their counterparts in rainbow trout. We also demonstrated that acute exposure to Cu (50 μg/L for 4.5 h) caused a significantly greater reduction in the rate of waterborne Na uptake in white sturgeon relative to that in rainbow trout across all three life-stages. In agreement with this observation, we also found that acute exposure to Cu (20 μg/L for 48 h) elicits a significantly greater decrease in whole body Na level in all life stages of white sturgeon compared to rainbow trout. In contrast, white sturgeon demonstrated a higher or similar level of Cu body burden relative to rainbow trout during acute Cu exposure (20 μg/L for 24 h), thereby indicating that Cu bioaccumulation is not a good indicator of its toxicity in these species. Overall, our study demonstrated that the differences in sensitivity to acute Cu exposure between white sturgeon and rainbow trout can be explained on the basis of differential effects of Cu on Na homeostasis.

Combined effects of waterborne copper exposure and salinity on enzymes related to osmoregulation and ammonia excretion by blue crab Callinectes sapidus

Copper is essential, but can be toxic to aquatic organisms when present in high concentrations. In freshwater crustaceans, copper inhibits enzymes related to ionic and osmoregulation and to the ammonia efflux, that leads to Na⁺ imbalance and inhibition of ammonia excretion. In the animals inhabiting estuarine or seawater, mechanisms of copper toxicity is not clear, but had been described as disruption of ionregulation and metabolism. To clarify the mechanism of copper toxicity in crustaceans inhabiting variable salinity, this work investigated whether copper affects ammonia excretion and enzymes used for ammonia balance and osmoregulation in the blue crab Callintectes sapidus acclimated to salinity 2 and 30 ppt. To achieve this, juveniles of the blue crab were exposed to 63.5 µg/L of copper at both salinities for 96 h. This is an environmentally realistic copper concentration. Results of ammonia efflux, free amino acids and Na⁺ concentrations in hemolymph, Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase, H⁺-ATPase and, carbonic anhydrase (CA) activities in gills were consistent with the osmoregulatory pattern adopted by the blue crab, which hyperosmoregulates at salinity 2 ppt and osmoconforms at 30 ppt. At 30 ppt copper reduced free amino acid in hemolymph of crabs, suggesting an effect of the metal on osmotic performance. At 2 ppt, copper significantly increased the H⁺-ATPase activity involved in ammonia excretion. This may be a compensatory response of crabs to maintain low levels of ammonia in their hemolymph; which can be increased by copper exposure. Results presented here are useful for the improvement of the Biotic Ligand Model (BLM) to predict copper toxicity for saltwater environments.

Life-time exposure to waterborne copper III: Effects on the energy metabolism of the killifish Poecilia vivipara

Copper ions (Cu) are essential to life maintenance, nonetheless, elevated concentrations can be hazardous. Acute and sub-chronic toxic effects of this metal are well known and are usually related to enzymatic inhibition, elevated ROS production and dysfunction of energy metabolism. Despite that, chronic studies are extremely rare. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the effects of chronic exposure to 5, 9 and 20 μg/L Cu (28 ad 345 days) on the energy metabolism and survival of the killifish Poecilia vivipara. To accomplish that, we evaluated the activity of enzymes related to aerobic (pyruvate kinase (PK); citrate synthase (CS)) and anaerobic metabolism (lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)) in whole-body (28 days) or in gills, liver and muscle (345 days) of exposed fish. Additionally, whole-body oxygen consumption was evaluated in fish exposed for 28 days and hepatic and muscular expression of genes involved in mitochondrial metabolism (cox I, II and III and atp5a1) was assessed in animals exposed for 345 days. Finally, final survival was evaluated. Following 28 days, Cu did not affect survival neither enzyme activities. However, increased whole-body oxygen consumption was observed in comparison to control condition. After 345 days, 76.8%, 63.9%, 60.9% and 0% survival were observed for control, 5, 9 and 20 μg/L groups, respectively. Animals exposed to 5 and 9 μg/L had a significant reduction in branchial and muscular LDH activity and in hepatic PK activity. Also, exposure to 9 μg/L significantly increased hepatic CS activity. For gene expression, Cu down-regulated muscular cox II (9 μg/L) and III (5 and 9 μg/L), and up-regulated hepatic atp5a1 (9 μg/L). Findings reported in the present study indicate that chronic exposure to Cu induces tissue-specific responses in key aspects of the energetic metabolism. In gills and muscle, Cu leads to reduced energy production through inhibition of anaerobic pathways and mitochondrial respiratory chain. This effect is paralleled by an increased ATP consumption in the liver, characterized by the augmented CS activity and atp5a1 expression. Finally, reduced PK activity indicate that oxidative stress may be involved with the observed outcomes.

Life-time exposure to waterborne copper II: Patterns of tissue accumulation and gene expression of the metal-transport proteins ctr1 and atp7b in the killifish Poecilia vivipara

The involvement of transporting proteins on copper (Cu) bioaccumulation was evaluated in the killifish Poecilia vivipara chronically exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations of waterborne Cu. Fish (<24 h-old) were maintained under control condition or exposed to different waterborne Cu concentrations (5, 9 and 20 μg/L) for 28 and 345 days in saltwater. Following exposure periods, Cu accumulation and the expression of genes encoding for the high affinity Cu-transporter (ctr1) and the P-type Cu-ATPase (atp7b) were evaluated. Whole-body metal accumulation and gene expression were evaluated in fish exposed to 28 days. Similarly, in fish exposed to 345 days, liver, gills and gut were also evaluated. No fish survival was observed after exposure to 20 μg/L for 345 days. Whole-body Cu accumulation was significantly higher in fish exposed to 20 μg/L Cu for 28 days and in fish exposed to 9 μg/L for 345 days in comparison to control animals. Similarly, tissue Cu accumulation was significantly higher in fish exposed to 9 μg/L for 345 days in comparison to control animal. However, no significant accumulation was observed in fish muscle. Following exposure for 28 days, whole-body ctr1 expression was slightly induced in fish exposed to 9 μg/L. In turn, no significant change in ctr1 expression was observed following exposure to Cu for 345 days. Differently, whole-body atp7b expression was markedly up-regulated in the whole-body of fish exposed Cu for 28 days and in tissues of fish exposed to Cu for 345 days. These findings indicate the expression of atp7b is more responsive to Cu accumulation in P. vivipara than ctr1 expression and, therefore, more suitable to be used as a biomarker of exposure to this metal. Also, we argue that the expression of atp7b is sustained at elevated levels for as much time as fish are maintained in Cu contaminated water.

Waterborne copper is more toxic to the killifish Poecilia vivipara in elevated temperatures: Linking oxidative stress in the liver with reduced organismal thermal performance

In this study, we measured the interactive effect of temperature (22 °C and 28 °C) and waterborne copper (Cu) contamination (9 μg/L and 20 μg/L) on the killifish Poecilia vivipara. Endpoints analyzed included parameters involved in Cu-accumulation, antioxidant capacity (antioxidant capacity against peroxyl radicals [ACAP] and total antioxidant capacity [TAC]), oxidative damage (lipid peroxidation [LPO]) and upper thermal tolerance (critical thermal maximum [CTMax]). Results show that Cu hepatic accumulation was elevated in 28 °C in comparison to 22 °C in both exposure groups. For gills, this was true only in 20 μg/L. Moreover, hepatic and brachial accumulation were concentration-dependent in both acclimation temperatures. Additionally, Hepatic ACAP and TAC were elevated in animals acclimated to 28 °C and only the animals kept at this temperature had reduced ACAP and TAC levels facing metal exposure (9 and 20 μg/L). Similarly, the combination of elevated temperature and Cu exposure raised hepatic LPO levels. Finally, animals acclimated to 28 °C had higher CTMax levels in comparison to fish acclimated to 22 °C both in control and exposed animals, however, CTMax of contaminated fish were only reduced in comparison to control in animals kept at 28 °C. Concluding, we show that the physiological mechanism besides the potentiating effect of elevated temperature in Cu toxicity is related to higher hepatic and branchial metal accumulation and elevated oxidative stress in the liver, outlined by reduced antioxidant capacity and elevated oxidative damage. We also show that these outcomes lead to compromised organismal performance, characterized by reduced CTMax. Finally, it is concluded that Cu exposure in warmer periods of the year or within global warming predictions may be more hazardous to fish populations.

Effects of life-time exposure to waterborne copper on the somatotropic axis of the viviparous fish Poecilia vivipara

Reduced fish growth following chronic exposure to dissolved copper (Cu) is well reported in the literature. Nevertheless, information on the mechanism(s) involved in this process is scarce. Therefore, we evaluated growth, gene expression and concentrations of proteins related to growth regulation in the viviparous guppy Poecilia vivipara chronically exposed to dissolved Cu. Newborn (<24 h after birth) fish were kept under control conditions or exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations of Cu (5 and 9 μg/L) in salt water (24 ppt) for 345 days. After exposure, fish growth was evaluated based on body weight and length. Also, growth hormone (gh) mRNA expression was evaluated in brain, while growth hormone receptor 1 (ghr1) and 2 (ghr2) mRNA expressions were analyzed in brain, skeletal muscle and liver. In turn, insulin-like growth factor 1 (igf1) and 2 (igf2) mRNA expressions were evaluated in skeletal muscle and liver. Additionally, Gh concentration was assessed in brain, while Ghr concentration was evaluated in skeletal muscle and liver. Exposure to 9 μg/L Cu reduced fish body weigh and length. Metal exposure affected mRNA expression only in skeletal muscle. Reduced ghr2 mRNA expression was observed in guppies exposed to 5 and 9 μg/L Cu. Additionally, reduced igf1 and igf2 mRNA expressions were observed in guppies exposed to 9 μg/L Cu. However, no significant change in Ghr concentration was observed. The reduced ghr2 mRNA expression suggests that chronic Cu exposure induced an insensitivity of the skeletal muscle to Gh, thus resulting in reduced igf1 and igf2 mRNA expression which lead to reduced fish growth. These findings indicate that chronic exposure to dissolved Cu disrupts the somatotropic axis regulation, thus helping to elucidate the mechanism underlying the Cu-dependent inhibition of growth observed in the viviparous fish P. vivipara.

Effects of water-borne copper and lead on metabolic and excretion rate of bahaii loach (Turcinoemacheilus bahaii)

Beyond the role of anthropogenic activities, natural sources of metal contaminations are still controversial, together counting, however, as a major threat to inland and coastal waters, becoming an even more prominent stressor for aquatic life. To address the effects of metals on the physiological response of fish, standard metabolic rate (SMR), maximum metabolic rate (MMR), aerobic scope (AS) and factorial aerobic scope (FAS) as well as specific rate of ammonia excretion (J_amm) of Turcinoemacheilus bahaii were determined following different water-borne Cu²⁺ and Pb²⁺ treatments. Following LC₅₀-96 h determination, 72 fish (BW = 1.153 ± 0.56 g and TL = 6.155 ± 0.97 cm) were exposed to different amounts of Cu²⁺ and Pb²⁺ in 9 different treatments (eight fish/treatment), including 0.910 mg l^-1 Cu²⁺ for 24 h, 0.455 mg l^-1 Cu²⁺ for 7d, 0.182 mg l^-1 Cu²⁺ for 14d and 0.091 mg l^-1 Cu²⁺ for 30 d as well as 124.430 mg l^-1 Pb²⁺ for 24 h, 62.215 mg l^-1 Pb²⁺ for 7d,12.443 mg l^-1 Pb²⁺ for 14d, 6.221 mg l^-1 Pb²⁺ for 30d and control. The SMR of fish was reduced following exposures to all Cu²⁺ and Pb²⁺ treatments (P < 0.05), except for 30d exposure as compared with the control. The MMR remained steady following all Cu²⁺ treatments while it was raised significantly (P < 0.05) following Pb²⁺ treatments at 7, 14 and 30d exposure. Although the AS showed a similar pattern to MMR, the FAS was elevated (P < 0.05) following all the treatments when compared with control. Lower J_amm were observed following all metals-treated fish in comparison with control (P < 0.05). In addition, higher (P < 0.05) levels of injuries were observed following all Cu²⁺ and Pb²⁺ treatments in gills and kidneys. The results suggest that Cu²⁺ and Pb²⁺ over the experimental period could impair the metabolic and excretory capacities, hence affecting the possible physiological performance of fish.

Physiological effects of marine natural organic matter and metals in early life stages of the North Pacific native marine mussel Mytilus trossulus; a comparison with the invasive Mytilus galloprovincialis

The role of seawater NOM in reducing metal toxicity for marine organisms is not well understood. We investigated the effects of five different marine NOMs (two autochthonous, one allochthonous, two of mixed origin, at 8 mg C/L), three metals (6 μg Cu/L; 20 μg Pb/L; 25 μg Zn/L), and combinations between them, to early life stages of Mytilus trossulus (a North Pacific native) in 48-h tests. Endpoints were whole body Ca²⁺+Mg²⁺-ATPase activity, carbonic anhydrase (CA) activity and lipid peroxidation. Comparisons were made with previously reported tests (identical conditions) on the invasive M. galloprovincialis. Unexposed M. trossulus had lower Ca²⁺+Mg²⁺-ATPase but similar baseline CA activity and lipid peroxidation to unexposed M. galloprovincialis. NOMs alone induced increased enzyme activities, and increased lipid peroxidation, but the latter did not occur with NOMs of mixed origin in M. trossulus. There was no clear difference in the sensitivity to various NOMs between species. In M. trossulus, all three metals by themselves caused increases in lipid peroxidation, as did many metal-NOM combinations. The origin of the NOMs influenced the nature of the responses to NOM-metal combinations in both species, but no clear relationship to NOM chemistry was apparent. Overall, M. trossulus was more sensitive to metals and NOM-metal combinations, with a greater number of significant responses (27 versus 22 treatment endpoints, out of a total of 72) and a greater proportion of negative effects (81% versus 50%) than in M. galloprovincialis. Therefore, marine NOMs by themselves, as well as metals by themselves and NOM-metal combinations, can induce both positive and negative physiological responses. Lipid peroxidation appears to be a particularly common negative response. In future studies, NOM quality and mussel species should be considered since native M. trossulus and invasive M. galloprovincialis exhibited markedly different responses after exposure to the same environmental conditions.

Transcriptomic approach: A promising tool for rapid screening nanomaterial-mediated toxicity in the marine bivalve Mytilus edulis-Application to copper oxide nanoparticles

The extensive development of nanotechnologies will inevitably lead to the release of nanomaterials (NMs) in the environment. As the aquatic environments represent the ultimate sink for various contaminants, it is highly probable that they also constitute a reservoir for NMs and hence aquatic animals represent potential targets. In a regulatory perspective, it is necessary to develop tools to rapidly screen the impact of NMs on model organisms, given that the number of NMs on the market will be increasing. In this context High Throughput Screening approaches represent relevant tools for the investigation of NM-mediated toxicity. The objective of this work was to study the effects of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) in the marine bivalve Mytilus edulis, using a transcriptomic approach. Mussels were exposed in vivo to CuONPs (10 μg·L^-1CuO NPs) for 24 h and analysis of mRNA expression levels of genes implicated in immune response, antioxidant activities, cell metabolism, cell transport and cytoskeleton was investigated by qPCR on hemocytes and gills. Results showed common effects of CuONPs and its ionic counterpart. However, greater effects of CuONPs on GST, SOD, MT, Actin, ATP synthase gene expressions were observed compared to ionic form indicating that toxicity of CuONPs is not solely due to the release of Cu²⁺. Even though M. edulis genome is not fully characterized, this study provides additional knowledge on the signaling pathways implicated in CuONP-mediated toxicity and demonstrates the reliability of using a qPCR approach to go further in the cellular aspects implicated in response to NPs in marine bivalves.

Hemolymph and gill carbonic anhydrase are more sensitive to aquatic contamination than mantle carbonic anhydrase in the mangrove oyster Crassostrea rhizophorae

Carbonic anhydrase (CA) is a ubiquitous metalloenzyme of great importance in several physiological processes. Due to its physiological importance and sensitivity to various pollutants, CA activity has been used as biomarker of aquatic contamination. Considering that in bivalves the sensitivity of CA to pollutants seems to be tissue-specific, we proposed here to analyze CA activity of hemolymph, gill and mantle of Crassostrea rhizophorae collected in two tropical Brazilian estuaries with different levels of anthropogenic impact, in dry and rainy season. We found increased carbonic anhydrase activity in hemolymph, gill and mantle of oysters collected in the Paraíba Estuary (a site of high anthropogenic impact) when compared to oysters from Mamanguape Estuary (inserted in an area of environmental preservation), especially in the rainy season. CA of hemolymph and gill were more sensitive than mantle CA to aquatic contamination. This study enhances the suitability of carbonic anhydrase activity for field biomarker applications with bivalves and brings new and relevant information on hemolymph carbonic anhydrase activity as biomarker of aquatic contamination.

Physiological effects of five different marine natural organic matters (NOMs) and three different metals (Cu, Pb, Zn) on early life stages of the blue mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis)

Metals are present in aquatic environments as a result of natural and anthropogenic inputs, and may induce toxicity to organisms. One of the main factors that influence this toxicity in fresh water is natural organic matter (NOM) but all NOMs are not the same in this regard. In sea water, possible protection by marine NOMs is not well understood. Thus, our study isolated marine NOMs by solid-phase extraction from five different sites and characterized them by excitation-emission fluorescence analysis—one inshore (terrigenous origin), two offshore (autochthonous origin), and two intermediate in composition (indicative of a mixed origin). The physiological effects of these five NOMS alone (at 8 mg/L), of three metals alone (copper, lead and zinc at 6 µg Cu/L, 20 µg Pb/L, and 25 µg Zn/L respectively), and of each metal in combination with each NOM, were evaluated in 48-h exposures of mussel larvae. Endpoints were whole body Ca²⁺+Mg²⁺-ATPase activity, carbonic anhydrase activity and lipid peroxidation. By themselves, NOMs increased lipid peroxidation, Ca²⁺+Mg²⁺-ATPase, and/or carbonic anhydrase activities (significant in seven of 15 NOM-endpoint combinations), whereas metals by themselves did not affect the first two endpoints, but Cu and Pb increased carbonic anhydrase activities. In combination, the effects of NOMs predominated, with the metal exerting no additional effect in 33 out of 45 combinations. While NOM effects varied amongst different isolates, there was no clear pattern with respect to optical or chemical properties. When NOMs were treated as a single source by data averaging, NOM had no effect on Ca²⁺+Mg²⁺-ATPase activity but markedly stimulated carbonic anhydrase activity and lipid peroxidation, and there were no additional effects of any metal. Our results indicate that marine NOMs may have direct effects on this model marine organism, as well as protective effects against metal toxicity, and the quality of marine NOMs may be an important factor in these actions.

The Effects of Acute Copper and Ammonia Challenges on Ammonia and Urea Excretion by the Blue Crab Callinectes sapidus

Copper (Cu) is a persistent environmental contaminant that elicits several physiological disturbances in aquatic organisms, including a disruption in ammonia regulation. We hypothesized that exposure to Cu in a model crustacean (blue crab, Callinectes sapidus) acclimated to brackish water (2 ppt) would lead to hyperammonemia by stimulating an increase in ammonia production and/or by inhibiting ammonia excretion. We further hypothesized that urea production would represent an ammonia detoxification strategy in response to Cu. In a pilot experiment, exposure to 0, 100, and 200 µg/L Cu for 6 h caused significant concentration-dependent increases in ammonia excretion (J _amm). Based on these results, an acute 24-h 100 µg/L Cu exposure was conducted and this similarly caused an overall stimulation of J _amm during the 24-h period, indicative of an increase in ammonia production. Terminal haemolymph total ammonia content (T _amm) was unchanged, suggesting that while ammonia production was increased, there was no inhibition of the excretion mechanism. In support of our second hypothesis, urea excretion (J _urea) increased in response to Cu exposure; haemolymph [urea] was unaffected. This suggested that urea production also was increased. To further test the hypothesis that J _urea increased to prevent hyperammonemia during Cu exposure, crabs were exposed to high environmental ammonia (HEA; 2.5 mmol/L NH₄HCO₃) for 12 h in a separate experiment. This led to a fourfold increase in haemolymph T _amm, whereas J _urea increased only transiently and haemolymph [urea] was unchanged, indicating that urea production likely does not contribute to the attenuation of hyperammonemia in blue crabs. Overall, Cu exposure in blue crabs led to increased ammonia and urea production, which were both eliminated by excretion. These results may have important implications in aquaculture systems where crabs may be exposed to elevated Cu and/or ammonia.

Contrasting effects of hypoxia on copper toxicity during development in the three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus)

Hypoxia is a global problem in aquatic systems and often co-occurs with pollutants. Despite this, little is known about the combined effects of these stressors on aquatic organisms. The objective of this study was to investigate the combined effects of hypoxia and copper, a toxic metal widespread in the aquatic environment. We used the three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) as a model because of its environmental relevance and amenability for environmental toxicology studies. We focused on embryonic development as this is considered to be a sensitive life stage to environmental pollution. We first investigated the effects of hypoxia alone on stickleback development to generate the information required to design subsequent studies. Our data showed that exposure to low oxygen concentrations (24.7 ± 0.9% air saturation; AS) resulted in strong developmental delays and increased mortalities, whereas a small decrease in oxygen (75.0 ± 0.5%AS) resulted in premature hatching. Stickleback embryos were then exposed to a range of copper concentrations under hypoxia (56.1 ± 0.2%AS) or normoxia (97.6 ± 0.1%AS), continuously, from fertilisation to free swimming larvae. Hypoxia caused significant changes in copper toxicity throughout embryonic development. Prior to hatching, hypoxia suppressed the occurrence of mortalities, but after hatching hypoxia significantly increased copper toxicity. Interestingly, when exposures were conducted only after hatching, the onset of copper-induced mortalities was delayed under hypoxia compared to normoxia, but after 48 h, copper was more toxic to hatched embryos under hypoxia. This is the second species for which the protective effect of hypoxia on copper toxicity prior to hatching, followed by its exacerbating effect after hatching is demonstrated, suggesting the hypothesis that this pattern may be common for teleost species. Our research highlights the importance of considering the interactions between multiple stressors, as understanding these interactions is essential to facilitate the accurate prediction of the consequences of exposure to complex stressors in a rapidly changing environment.

Acute and sub-chronic effects of sub-lethal cadmium exposure on energy metabolism in the freshwater shrimp, Paratya curvirostris

Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic trace element enriched in waters through activities such as mining and agriculture. The freshwater shrimp Paratya curvirostris inhabits near-coastal, lowland streams potentially impacted by Cd, but nothing is known regarding its sensitivity to this metal. An acute (96h) median lethal concentration (LC₅₀) of 405µgL^-1 was derived for P. curvirostris, placing it among the most tolerant of freshwater shrimp species. Acute (4 d; 0, 50 and 100µgL^-1) and sub-chronic (10 d; 0, 25 and 50µgL^-1) exposures then investigated effects of Cd on energy metabolism (respiration rate, excretion rate, O:N ratio). In contrast to effects in previously studied species, Cd induced an increased respiration rate, which when coupled with an unchanged excretion rate, resulted in an increased O:N ratio. These data were explained by an increased reliance on carbohydrate and/or lipid as a metabolic substrate stimulated by increased metabolic costs of toxicant exposure. Similar effects were seen across all time-points, although the lowest effective Cd concentration decreased with increased exposure time. Overall, results suggest that Cd is unlikely to be a significant environmental stressor to P. curvirostris, except in highly contaminated freshwaters, and/or where Cd co-occurs with hypoxia.

Kidney activity increases in copper exposed goldfish (Carassius auratus auratus)

In the present study, the effect of copper was examined in the common goldfish (Carassius auratus auratus). Fish were fasted and exposed to either a high (0.84μM), a low (0.34μM) or a control copper concentration (0.05μM) for 1 and 7days. Swimming performance was not affected by either fasting or copper exposure. Food deprivation alone had no effect on ionoregulation, but low plasma osmolality levels and plasma Na⁺ were noticed in fasted fish exposed to Cu for 7days. Both gill Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase and H⁺-ATPase activities were undisturbed, while both kidney ATPase activities were up-regulated when challenged with the high Cu levels. Up-regulated kidney ATPase activities likely acted as compensatory strategy to enhance Na⁺ reabsorption. However, this up-regulation was not sufficient to restore Na⁺ to control levels in the highest exposure group.

Homeostatic regulation of copper in a marine fish simulated by a physiologically based pharmacokinetic model

Copper (Cu) is an essential yet potentially toxic metal, thus delicate homeostatic controls are developed in the fish. In this study, a physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model was developed to simulate the homeostatic regulation of Cu in a marine fish (Terapon jarbua) under dietary and waterborne exposures. In this model, fish were schematized as a six-compartment model, with the intestine being divided into two sub-compartments (chyme and gut wall). The blood was assumed to be the "carrier" distributing Cu into different compartments. The transfer rates between different compartments were determined in fish during Cu exposure (20 d) and depuration (20 d). The differences in Cu transfer from chyme to gut wall between dietary and waterborne treatments suggested that the intestine regulated the dietary uptake and re-absorption of Cu from the chyme. The extremely low uptake rate constant (0.0013 d^-1) for gills under waterborne exposure indicated that gills strongly restricted Cu uptake from the ambient water. For both treatments, the liver had considerable input rate through the enterohepatic circulation and comparably high exchange rate with the blood, suggesting that the liver can efficiently accumulate newly absorbed Cu. The differences in Cu output from the liver between dietary and waterborne treatments suggested that it can effectively regulate the redistribution of Cu. All of these observations demonstrated that the liver played the central role in Cu homeostasis by serving as the main depository and distributing center. Modeling results also indicated that renal and branchial excretion was of minor importance, whereas biliary excretion combined with defecation played the most important role in whole-body Cu elimination in marine fish. The effective regulation by the "Blood-Liver-Intestine" cycle could be the main reason for the relatively low levels of Cu in fish.

Characterization of the effects of binary metal mixtures on short-term uptake of Ag, Cu, and Ni by rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Single metal Biotic Ligand Models (BLMs) have been developed for a number of metals and model organisms. While these BLMs improve our ability to regulate metals in the aquatic environment, in reality, organisms are often simultaneously exposed to metal mixtures. Recently, several attempts have been made to develop mixture BLMs (mBLMs). Some of these models assume competitive interactions between all metals, while others assume only metals with a similar mode of action (e.g., Na⁺ or Ca²⁺ antagonists) will competitively interact. To begin testing these assumptions in the mBLM framework, standard 3-h gill metal binding assays with Ag, Cu, and Ni (primary metals), were performed in vivo on freshwater rainbow trout. Fish were exposed across a range of concentrations encompassing the 96-h LC50 for that metal to characterize uptake kinetics for each of these three primary metals (radiolabelled) in the presence and absence of a secondary metal (Ag, Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, or Zn; not radiolabelled). We observed a complex series of interactions in binary mixtures that frequently contradicted theoretical expectations. Metals with similar modes of action did competitively interact in some instances, but not others, and when they did compete the competition was not necessarily reciprocal (e.g., Cu inhibited Ag uptake but Ag did not inhibit Cu uptake). We also observed examples of interactions between metals with dissimilar modes of action and several examples of metals stimulating the uptake of other metals. The underlying mechanisms for these unexpected interactions are unclear, but suggest that many of the current assumptions in mBLMs regarding the number and types of metal uptake sites and corresponding metal interactions are not correct. Careful characterization of metal mixture interactions is clearly needed before a reliable mBLM can be developed.

A broader look at ammonia production, excretion, and transport in fish: a review of impacts of feeding and the environment

For nearly a century, researchers have studied ammonia production and excretion in teleost fish. Stemming from past investigations a body of knowledge now exists on various aspects including biochemical mechanisms of ammonia formation and specific routes and tissues used for ammonia transport, culminating in a current detailed theoretical model of branchial transport, including the molecular identities of the moieties involved. However, typical studies examining ammonia balance use routine laboratory conditions and fasted fish. While avoiding additional variables that influence nitrogen balance, these studies are arguably idealistic and do not reflect the natural variety of conditions that fish encounter. Further studies have revealed the impacts of extrinsic factors (e.g. salinity, pH, temperature) on ammonia handling in fasted fish whereas others have explored intrinsic factors, such as life history and developmental impacts. One routine challenge for ammonia balance that fish encounter is feeding and digestion. Fortunately, many new studies have revealed the impact of feeding and digestion on several aspects of ammonia balance; from production to excretion and to transport, and several have done so incorporating supplemental extrinsic and/or intrinsic factors. Together, these complex studies reveal realistic responses to multifactorial challenges encountered by animals in the wild and begin to provide a holistic view of ammonia balance in freshwater teleost fish.

Revisiting the mechanisms of copper toxicity to rainbow trout: Time course, influence of calcium, unidirectional Na(+) fluxes, and branchial Na(+), K(+) ATPase and V-type H(+) ATPase activities

In order to resolve uncertainties as to the mechanisms of toxic action of Cu and the protective effects of water [Ca], juvenile rainbow trout were acclimated to baseline soft water (SW, [Na(+)]=0.07, [Ca(2+)]=0.15, [Mg(2+)]=0.05mmolL(-1)) and then exposed to Cu with or without elevated [Ca] but at constant titratable alkalinity (0.27mmolL(-1)). The 96-h LC50 was 7-fold higher (63.8 versus 9.2μgCuL(-1); 1.00 versus 0.14μmolCuL(-1)) at [Ca]=3.0 versus 0.15mmolL(-1). Gill Cu burden increased with exposure concentration, and higher [Ca] attenuated this accumulation. At 24h, the gill Cu load (LA50≈0.58μgCug(-1); 9.13nmolCug(-1)) predictive of 50% mortality by 96h was independent of [Ca], in accord with Biotic Ligand Model (BLM) theory. Cu exposure induced net Na(+) losses (J(Na)net) by increasing unidirectional Na(+) efflux rates (J(Na)out) and inhibiting unidirectional Na(+) uptake rates (J(Na)in). The effect on J(Na)out was virtually immediate, whereas the effect on J(Na)in developed progressively over 24h and was associated with an inhibition of branchial Na(+), K(+) ATPase activity. The J(Na)in inhibition was eventually significant at a lower Cu threshold concentration (15μgCuL(-1)) than the J(Na)out stimulation (100μg Cu L(-1)). Elevated Ca protected against both effects, as well as against the inhibition of Na(+), K(+) ATPase activity. Branchial V-type H(+) ATPase activity was also inhibited by Cu exposure (100μgCuL(-1)), but only after 24h at high [Ca] (3.0mmolL(-1)). These novel results therefore reinforce the applicability of BLM theory to Cu, clarify that whether Na(+) influx or efflux is more sensitive depends on the duration of Cu exposure, show that elevated water [Ca], independent of alkalinity, is protective against both mechanisms of Cu toxicity, and identify V-type H(+)ATPase as a new Cu target for future investigation.

Copper at low levels impairs memory of adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) and affects swimming performance of larvae

Metal contamination at low levels is an important issue because it usually produces health and environmental effects, either positive or deleterious. Contamination of surface waters with copper (Cu) is a worldwide event, usually originated by mining, agricultural, industrial, commercial, and residential activities. Water quality criteria for Cu are variable among countries but allowed limits are generally in the μg/L range, which can disrupt several functions in the early life-stages of fish species. Behavioral and biochemical alterations after Cu exposure have also been described at concentrations close to the allowed limits. Aiming to search for the effects of Cu in the range of the allowed limits, larvae and adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) were exposed to different concentrations of dissolved Cu (nominally: 0, 5, 9, 20 and 60μg/L; measured: 0.4, 5.7, 7.2 16.6 and 42.3μg/L, respectively) for 96h. Larvae swimming and body length, and adult behavior and biochemical biomarkers (activity of glutathione-related enzymes in gills, muscle, and brain) were assessed after Cu exposure. Several effects were observed in fish exposed to 9μg/L nominal Cu, including increased larvae swimming distance and velocity, abolishment of adult inhibitory avoidance memory, and decreased glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity in gills of adult fish. At the highest Cu concentration tested (nominally: 60μg/L), body length of larvae, spatial memory of adults, and gill GST activity were decreased. Social behavior (aggressiveness and conspecific interaction), and glutathione reductase (GR) activity were not affected in adult zebrafish. Exposure to Cu, at concentrations close to the water quality criteria for this metal in fresh water, was able to alter larvae swimming performance and to induce detrimental effects on the behavior of adult zebrafish, thus indicating the need for further studies to reevaluate the currently allowed limits for Cu in fresh water.

Salinity-dependent mechanisms of copper toxicity in the galaxiid fish, Galaxias maculatus

The euryhaline galaxiid fish, inanga (Galaxias maculatus) is widely spread throughout the Southern hemisphere occupying near-coastal streams that may be elevated in trace elements such as copper (Cu). Despite this, nothing is known regarding their sensitivity to Cu contamination. The mechanisms of Cu toxicity in inanga, and the ameliorating role of salinity, were investigated by acclimating fish to freshwater (FW), 50% seawater (SW), or 100% SW and exposing them to a graded series of Cu concentrations (0-200μgL(-1)) for 48h. Mortality, whole body Cu accumulation, measures of ionoregulatory disturbance (whole body ions, sodium (Na) influx, sodium/potassium ATPase activity) and ammonia excretion were monitored. Toxicity of Cu was greatest in FW, with mortality likely resulting from impaired Na influx. In both FW and 100% SW, ammonia excretion was significantly elevated, an effect opposite to that observed in previous studies, suggesting fundamental differences in the effect of Cu in this species relative to other studied fish. Salinity was protective against Cu toxicity, and physiology seemed to play a more important role than water chemistry in this protection. Inanga are sensitive to waterborne Cu through a conserved impairment of Na ion homeostasis, but some effects of Cu exposure in this species are distinct. Based on effect concentrations, current regulatory tools and limits are likely protective of this species in New Zealand waters.

Hypoxia Suppressed Copper Toxicity during Early Development in Zebrafish Embryos in a Process Mediated by the Activation of the HIF Signaling Pathway

Hypoxia is a global and increasingly important stressor in aquatic ecosystems, with major impacts on biodiversity worldwide. Hypoxic waters are often contaminated with a wide range of chemicals but little is known about the interactions between these stressors. We investigated the effects of hypoxia on the responses of zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos to copper, a widespread aquatic contaminant. We showed that during continuous exposures copper toxicity was reduced by over 2-fold under hypoxia compared to normoxia. When exposures were conducted during 24 h windows, hypoxia reduced copper toxicity during early development and increased its toxicity in hatched larvae. To investigate the role of the hypoxia signaling pathway on the suppression of copper toxicity during early development, we stabilized the hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) pathway under normoxia using a prolyl-4-hydroxylase inhibitor, dimethyloxalylglycine (DMOG) and demonstrated that HIF activation results in a strong reduction in copper toxicity. We also established that the reduction in copper toxicity during early development was independent of copper uptake, while after hatching, copper uptake was increased under hypoxia, corresponding to an increase in copper toxicity. These findings change our understanding of the current and future impacts of worldwide oxygen depletion on fish communities challenged by anthropogenic toxicants.

Metal fate and effects in estuaries: A review and conceptual model for better understanding of toxicity

Metal pollution is a global problem in estuaries due to the legacy of historic contamination and currently increasing metal emissions. However, the establishment of water and sediment standards or management actions in brackish systems has been difficult because of the inherent transdisciplinary nature of estuarine processes. According to the European Commission, integrative comprehension of fate and effects of contaminants in different compartments of these transitional environments (estuarine sediment, water, biota) is still required to better establish, assess and monitor the good ecological status targeted by the Water Framework Directive. Thus, the present study proposes a holistic overview and conceptual model for the environmental fate of metals and their toxicity effects on aquatic organisms in estuaries. This includes the analysis and integration of biogeochemical processes and parameters, metal chemistry and organism physiology. Sources of particulate and dissolved metal, hydrodynamics, water chemistry, and mechanisms of toxicity are discussed jointly in a multidisciplinary manner. It is also hypothesized how these different drivers of metal behaviour might interact and affect metal concentrations in diverse media, and the knowledge gaps and remaining research challenges are pointed. Ultimately,estuarine physicochemical gradients, biogeochemical processes, and organism physiology are jointly coordinating the fate and potential effects of metals in estuaries, and both realistic model approaches and attempts.

Differential modulation of ammonia excretion, Rhesus glycoproteins and ion-regulation in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) following individual and combined exposure to waterborne copper and ammonia

The main objective of this study was to understand the mode of interaction between waterborne copper (Cu) and high environmental ammonia (HEA) exposure on freshwater fish, and how they influence the toxicity of each other when present together. For this purpose, individual and combined effects of Cu and HEA were examined on selected physiological and ion-regulatory processes and changes at transcript level in the common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Juvenile carp were exposed to 2.6μM Cu (25% of the 96h LC50value) and to 0.65mM ammonia (25% of the 96h LC50value) singly and as a mixture for 12h, 24h, 48h, 84h and 180h. Responses such as ammonia (Jamm) and urea (Jurea) excretion rate, plasma ammonia and urea, plasma ions (Na(+), Cl(-) and K(+)), muscle water content (MWC) as well as branchial Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase (NKA) and H(+)-ATPase activity, and branchial mRNA expression of NKA, H(+)-ATPase, Na(+)/H(+) exchanger (NHE-3) and Rhesus (Rh) glycoproteins were investigated under experimental conditions. Results show that Jamm was inhibited during Cu exposure, while HEA exposed fish were able to increase excretion efficiently. In the combined exposure, Jamm remained at the control levels indicating that Cu and HEA abolished each other's effect. Expression of Rhcg (Rhcg-a and Rhcg-b) mRNA was upregulated during HEA, thereby facilitated ammonia efflux out of gills. On the contrary, Rhcg-a transcript level declined following Cu exposure which might account for Cu induced Jamm inhibition. Likewise, Rhcg-a was also down-regulated in Cu-HEA co-exposed fish whilst a temporary increment was noted for Rhch-b. Fish exposed to HEA displayed pronounced up-regulation in NKA expression and activity and stable plasma ion levels. In both the Cu exposure alone and combined Cu-HEA exposure, ion-osmo homeostasis was adversely affected, exemplified by the significant reduction in plasma [Na(+)] and [Cl(-)], and elevated plasma [K(+)], along with an elevation in MWC. These changes were accompanied by a decline in NKA activity. Gill H(+)-ATPase mRNA levels and activities were not affected by either Cu or HEA or both. Likewise, NHE-3 expression remained unaltered but tended to be numerically higher during HEA exposure. Overall, these data suggest that at equitoxic concentrations (25% of 96h LC50), the individual effect of Cu is more harmful while HEA induces quicker adaptive responses. Our findings also denote a competitive mode of interaction, exemplified by the inhibition of HEA -mediated adaptive responses in the presence of Cu.

What is the primary function of the early teleost gill? Evidence for Na+/NH+4 exchange in developing rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Post-hatch fishes lack a functional gill and use cutaneous surfaces for exchange with the surrounding environment. The ionoregulatory hypothesis posits that ionoregulation is the first physiological process to be limited by cutaneous exchange, necessitating its shift to the gills. We hypothesized that the ontogeny of branchial ammonia excretion (J amm) is coupled to Na(+) uptake (J Na in) in accordance with the current model for Na+/NH4+ in exchange in freshwater. Using divided chambers, branchial and cutaneous J amm, J Na in and oxygen consumption (MO2) by larval rainbow trout were assessed. Following hatch, the skin accounted for 97% and 86% of total J amm and J Na in, respectively. J amm and J Na in shifted to the gills simultaneously at 15 days post-hatch (dph) and were highly correlated (R(2) = 0.951) at the gills, but not the skin, over development. Contrastingly, MO2 shifted significantly later at 27 dph, in agreement with the ionoregulatory hypothesis. Moreover, the mRNA expression and/or enzymatic activity of Rhesus proteins, Na(+)/H(+)-exchanger, H(+)-ATPase, Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase and carbonic anhydrase, all key components of the Na+/NH4+-exchange system, increased in the gills over larval development. We propose that the ontogeny of branchial J Na in occurs as Na+/NH4+ exchange and provide evidence for a novel element to the ionoregulatory hypothesis, the excretion of potentially lethal metabolic ammonia.

Acute exposure to waterborne copper inhibits both the excretion and uptake of ammonia in freshwater rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

In freshwater fish, exposure to sub-lethal concentrations of waterborne copper (Cu) results in inhibitions of ammonia excretion (Jamm) and Na(+) uptake (J(Na)in), yet the mechanisms by which these occur are not fully understood. In the present study, rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fry exposed to 50μg/l Cu for 24h displayed a sustained 40% decrease in Jamm and a transient 60% decrease in J(Na)in. Previously, these effects have been attributed to inhibitions of gill Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase and/or carbonic anhydrase (CA) activities by Cu. Trout fry did not display significant reductions in the branchial activities of these enzymes or H(+)-ATPase over 24h Cu exposure. Recently, Rhesus (Rh) glycoproteins, bi-directional NH3 gas channels, have been implicated in the mechanism of Cu toxicity. Juvenile trout were exposed to nominal 0, 50, and 200μg/l Cu for 3-6h under control conditions (ammonia-free water) followed by 6h exposure to high environmental ammonia (HEA; 1.5mmol/l NH4HCO3). HEA led to significant ammonia uptake in control fish (0μg/l Cu), and exposure to 50 and 200μg/l Cu resulted in significant reductions of ammonia uptake during HEA exposure. This is the first evidence that Cu inhibits both the excretion and uptake of ammonia, implicating bi-directional Rh glycoproteins as a target for Cu toxicity. We propose a model whereby Rh blockade by Cu causes the sustained inhibition of Jamm and transient inhibition of J(Na)in, with H(+)-ATPase potentially aiding in J(Na)in recovery. More work is needed to elucidate the role of Rh proteins in sub-lethal Cu toxicity.

The effects of copper and nickel on the embryonic life stages of the purple sea urchin (Strongylocentrotus purpuratus)

The aim of this research was to generate data on the mechanisms of toxicity of copper [Cu (4-12 µg/L)] and nickel [Ni (33-40 µg/L)] during continuous sublethal exposure in seawater (32 ppt, 15 °C) in a sensitive test organism (Strongylocentrotus purpuratus) at its most sensitive life stage (developing embryo). Whole-body ions [calcium (Ca), sodium (Na), potassium (K), and magnesium (Mg)], metal burdens, Ca uptake, and Ca ATPase activity were measured every 12 h during the first 72-84 h of development. Ionoregulatory disruption was clearly an important mechanism of toxicity for both metals and occurred with minimal metal bioaccumulation. Most noteworthy was a significant disruption of Ca homeostasis, which was evident from an inhibition of unidirectional Ca uptake rates, whole-body Ca accumulation, and Ca ATPase activity intermittently during 72-84 h of development. At various times, Cu- and Ni-exposed embryos also displayed lower levels of K and increased levels of Na suggesting inhibition of Na/K ATPase activity. Greater levels of Mg during initial stages of development in Cu-exposed embryos were also observed and were considered a possible compensatory mechanism for disruptions to Ca homeostasis because both of these ions are important constituents of the developing spicule. Notably, most of these effects occurred during the initial stages of development but were reversed by 72-84 h. We therefore propose that it is of value to study the toxic impacts of contaminants periodically during development before the traditional end point of 48-72 h.

Salinity-dependent copper accumulation in the guppy Poecilia vivipara is associated with CTR1 and ATP7B transcriptional regulation

Copper (Cu) accumulation and regulation of key-genes involved in Cu homeostasis were evaluated in freshwater- and saltwater-acclimated guppies Poecilia vivipara. Fish were exposed (96h) to environmentally relevant concentrations of dissolved Cu (0, 5.0, 9.0 and 20.0μg/L). In freshwater guppies, gill and liver Cu accumulation was dependent on Cu concentration in the exposure medium. In saltwater guppies, this dependence was observed only in the gut. These findings indicate that Cu accumulation was salinity- and tissue-dependent. Key genes involved in Cu metabolism were sequenced for the first time in P. vivipara. Transcripts coding for the high-affinity copper transporter (CTR1) and copper-transporting ATPase (ATP7B) were identified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and gene sequencing. The full-length CTR1 open reading frame (1560bp) and a partial ATP7B (690bp) were discovered. Predicted amino acid sequences shared high identities with the CTR1 of Fundulus heteroclitus (81%) and the ATP7B of Sparus aurata (87%). Basal transcriptional levels addressed by RT-qPCR in control fish indicate that CTR1 and ATP7B was highly transcribed in liver of freshwater guppies while CTR1 was highly transcribed in gut of saltwater guppies. This could explain the higher Cu accumulation observed in liver of freshwater guppies and in gut of saltwater guppies, because CTR1 is involved in Cu uptake. Reduced gill mRNA expression of CTR1 was observed in freshwater guppies exposed to 20.0μg/L Cu and in saltwater guppies exposed to 5.0μg/L Cu. In turn, reduced mRNA expression of gut ATP7B was observed in freshwater and salt water guppies exposed to 9.0 and 20.0μg/L Cu. Liver CTR1 and ATP7B transcription were not affected by Cu exposure. These findings suggest that gill CTR1 and gut ATP7B are down-regulated to limit Cu absorption after exposure to dissolved Cu, while liver CTR1 and ATP7B levels are maintained to allow Cu storage and detoxification. In conclusion, findings reported here indicate that Cu accumulation in the euryhaline guppy P. vivipara is tissue specific and dependent on water salinity. They also suggest that Cu homeostasis involves a differential transcriptional regulation of the newly identified Cu transporters, CTR1 and ATP7B.

Exposure to waterborne Cu inhibits cutaneous Na⁺ uptake in post-hatch larval rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

In freshwater rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), two common responses to acute waterborne copper (Cu) exposure are reductions in ammonia excretion and Na(+) uptake at the gills, with the latter representing the likely lethal mechanism of action for Cu in adult fish. Larval fish, however, lack a functional gill following hatch and rely predominantly on cutaneous exchange, yet represent the most Cu-sensitive life stage. It is not known if Cu toxicity in larval fish occurs via the skin or gills. The present study utilized divided chambers to assess cutaneous and branchial Cu toxicity over larval development, using disruptions in ammonia excretion (Jamm) and Na(+) uptake (Jin(Na)) as toxicological endpoints. Early in development (early; 3 days post-hatch; dph), approximately 95% of Jamm and 78% of Jin(Na) occurred cutaneously, while in the late developmental stage (late; 25 dph), the gills were the dominant site of exchange (83 and 87% of Jamm and Jin(Na), respectively). Exposure to 50 μg/l Cu led to a 49% inhibition of Jamm in the late developmental stage only, while in the early and middle developmental (mid; 17 dph) stages, Cu had no effect on Jamm. Jin(Na), however, was significantly inhibited by Cu exposure at the early (53% reduction) and late (47% reduction) stages. Inhibition at the early stage of development was mediated by a reduction in cutaneous uptake, representing the first evidence of cutaneous metal toxicity in an intact aquatic organism. The inhibitions of both Jamm and Jin(Na) in the late developmental stage occurred via a reduction in branchial exchange only. The differential responses of the skin and gills to Cu exposure suggest that the mechanisms of Jamm and Jin(Na) and/or Cu toxicity differ between these tissues. Exposure to 20μg/l Cu revealed that Jamm is the more Cu-sensitive process. The results presented here have important implications in predicting metal toxicity in larval fish. The Biotic Ligand Model (BLM) is currently used to predict metal toxicity in aquatic organisms. However, for rainbow trout this is based on gill binding constants from juvenile fish. This may not be appropriate for post-hatch larval fish where the skin is the site of toxic action of Cu. Determining Cu binding constants and lethal accumulation concentrations for both skin and gills in larval fish may aid in developing a larval fish-specific BLM. Overall, the changing site of toxic action and physiology of developing larval fish present an interesting and exciting avenue for future research.

Interactive effects of copper and dissolved organic matter on sodium uptake, copper bioaccumulation, and oxidative stress in juvenile freshwater mussels (Lampsilis siliquoidea)

Freshwater mussels are exceptionally sensitive to many contaminants including metals, but the mechanisms of toxicity are not fully understood. Similarly, our understanding of the protective effects of dissolved organic matter (DOM) is also undergoing revision, since recent studies have found that DOM may also directly affect organism physiology, in addition to its well known capability in complexing and reducing bioavailability of metals. In the present study, these issues were investigated in juvenile (6-12 months old) freshwater mussels (Lampsilis siliquoidea) in moderately-hard reconstituted water (Ca(2+)=0.406 mmol/L; Mg(2+)=0.537 mmol/L; Na(+)=1.261 mmol/L;K(+)=0.077 mmol/L; hardness=80-100mg/L CaCO3; pH=8.02 and DOM=0.3 mgC/L). Mussels were acutely exposed (24 and 96 h) to Cu (0, 2 or 12 μg Cu/L) combined with three concentrations (0, 3 or 6 mgC/L) of DOM of terrigenous origin (Luther Marsh). We analyzed unidirectional Na(+) influx, whole-body ion content (Na(+), K(+), Ca(2+) and Mg(2+)), enzyme (Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase, H(+)-ATPase and carbonic anhydrase) activities, copper bioaccumulation and oxidative stress-related parameters. Exposure to DOM alone caused a marked increase in the unidirectional Na(+) influx rate and a decrease in v-type H(+)-ATPase activity, suggesting that DOM alone can cause alterations in membrane transport functions and therefore, whole-body Na(+) metabolism. Unidirectional Na(+) influx rate and Na(+)K(+)-ATPase activity were inhibited when mussels were exposed to the higher Cu concentration tested (12 μg Cu/L). The influx inhibition was ameliorated by the simultaneous presence of DOM. At this same Cu concentration, DOM also significantly protected mussels against whole-body Na(+) and K(+) losses associated with Cu exposure, as well as against Cu bioaccumulation. Oxidative stress parameters did not show clear trends across treatments. Overall, our results indicate that Cu is a potent ionoregulatory toxicant to freshwater mussels. They also demonstrate that natural DOM protects against both Cu bioaccumulation and ionoregulatory toxicity, and that at least part of this protection results from direct positive effects of DOM on Na(+) metabolism.

The effect of dissolved organic matter (DOM) on sodium transport and nitrogenous waste excretion of the freshwater cladoceran (Daphnia magna) at circumneutral and low pH

Dissolved organic matter (DOM), a heterogeneous substance found in all natural waters, has many documented abiotic roles, but recently, several possible direct influences of DOM on organism physiology have been reported. However, most studies have been carried out with a limited number of natural DOM isolates or were restricted to the use of commercial or artificial humic substances. We therefore employed three previously characterized, chemically-distinct natural DOMs, as well as a commercially available humic acid (Aldrich, AHA), at circumneutral (7-8) and acidic pH (~5), to examine DOM effects on whole-body Na(+) concentration, unidirectional influx and efflux rates of Na(+), and ammonia and urea excretion rates in Daphnia magna. Whole-body Na(+) concentration, Na(+) influx, and Na(+) efflux rates were all unaffected regardless of pH, suggesting no influence of the various natural DOMs on active uptake and passive diffusion of Na(+) in this organism. Ammonia and urea excretion rates were both increased by low pH. Ammonia excretion rates were reduced at circumneutral pH by the most highly colored, allochthonous DOM, and at low pH by all three natural DOMs, as well as by the commercial AHA. Urea excretion rates were not influenced by the presence of the various DOMs in circumneutral solutions, but were attenuated by the presence of two allochthonous DOM sources (isolated from Bannister Lake and Luther Marsh) at acidic pH. The observed reductions may be attributed partially to the higher buffering capacities of natural DOM sources, as well as their ability to interact with biological membranes as estimated by a new measure calculated from their acid-base titration characteristics, the Proton Binding Index (PBI).