Morinda citrifolia L. (Noni) dietary supplementation ameliorates fluoride toxicity in the freshwater fish, Cyprinus carpio L

Fluoride is the organic and inorganic compound of the element fluorine, has detrimental effect to all animals including fish at higher concentration. Ground water with elevated concentration of fluoride is a major global problem including India. On the other hand, Morinda citrifolia (also called ‘Noni’ in Polynesia) is a medicinal plant, has antioxidative, anti-inflammatory and immunostimulatory properties. The ameliorating effect of M. citrifolia fruit extract dietary supplementation against fluoride induced toxicity on the growth performance, haematological parameters, and fluoride accumulation in the muscular tissue was investigated in the freshwater fish, Cyprinus carpio L. for 35 days in triplicate. One hundred and twenty acclimated C. carpio fingerlings were randomly allocated into five experimental groups (Groups I, II, III, IV and V) each with 24 fish divided into three replicates (eight fish/replicate). Group I (Control) and II (Toxic control or negative control) were provided with basal/control diet, whereas groups III, IV, and V were provided with 0.25% (2.5 g/kg), 0.50% (5.0 g/kg) and 0.75% (7.5 g/kg) M. citrifolia fruit extract supplemented diet respectively. All groups except for group I were exposed to 10% of the LC50 of fluoride. Selected growth and haematological parameters were estimated. The fluoride content in the muscular tissue of fish was also estimated following SPADNS method. Results revealed that exposure of sublethal concentration of fluoride significantly (P <0.05) reduced the growth performance and haematological parameters in Gr. II (toxic control) compared to the Gr. I (control). However, M. citrifolia dietary supplementation significantly (P <0.05) improved fluoride induced alteration of growth performance and haematological parameters of fish in the groups III, IV and V compared to Gr. II. Morinda citrifolia fruit extract dietary supplementation also significantly (P <0.05) decreased the accumulation fluoride in the muscular tissue of fish in groups III, IV and V compared to the Gr. II (toxic control). In conclusion, M. citrifolia dietary supplementation ameliorates the fluoride toxicity by preventing the accumulation of fluoride in the muscular tissue of the fish. The M. citrifolia dietary supplementation at 0.25% showed the best response, hence it is considered as the optimum dose.

Changes in sperm motility of amazonian fish Tambaqui Colossoma macropomum (Cuvier 1816) (Characiformes: Serrasalmidae) exposed to two pesticides / Alterações na motilidade espermática do peixe amazônico Tambaqui Colossoma macropomum (Cuvier 1816) (Characiformes: Serrasalmidae) exposto a dois pesticidas

Abstract The great biodiversity of neotropical fish species that have external fertilization as a reproductive strategy, like the tambaqui, requires more careful analyzes in toxicological tests of the various pesticides implemented in Brazilian agriculture over the last few years. In this context, the objective of the present work was to evaluate possible sperm alterations in tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) semen exposed to two different pesticide residues. Seminal samples of sexually mature tambaqui males from a local fish farm were used. Semen was collected eight hours after hormone induction into graduated glass tubes. After initial assessment of the lack of prior activation, the experiment was carried out in a factorial scheme, testing two pesticides widely used in agricultural systems (glyphosate and fenitrothion). For each pesticide, five concentrations were tested (6, 12, 24, 120 and 240 mg/L), with motility analysis at times 0, 30 and 60 seconds after activation. As a control, activation with 0.9% NaCl solution and motility analysis at the same times described for pesticides were used. Results indicate that in natura samples exhibited initial motility of 89.2 ± 4.9% and mean duration of 100 seconds (up to 10% sperm motility). The reduction in sperm motility occurred significantly (p < 0.05) after 30 seconds in all concentrations tested, except for the concentration of 240 mg/L because no activation was observed. The tests described here demonstrate that tambaqui semen was sensitive to the process of exposure to pesticide residues, and can be used in biomonitoring analyzes of the aforementioned agricultural pesticides.

Resumo A grande biodiversidade das espécies de peixes neotropicais que possuem a fertilização externa como estratégia reprodutiva, a exemplo do tambaqui, exige análises mais criteriosas em testes toxicológicos dos diversos defensivos agrícolas implementados na agricultura brasileira ao longo dos últimos anos. Nesse contexto, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar possíveis alterações espermáticas no sêmen de tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) exposto a resíduos de dois diferentes pesticidas. Foram utilizadas amostras seminais de machos de tambaqui sexualmente maduros provenientes de uma piscicultura local. O sêmen foi coletado oito horas pós indução hormonal em tubos de vidro graduados. Após avaliação inicial de inexistência de ativação prévia, foi realizado o experimento em esquema fatorial, sendo testados dois pesticidas muito utilizados em sistemas agrícolas (glifosato e fenitrotiona). Para cada pesticida foram testadas cinco concentrações (6, 12, 24, 120 e 240 mg/L), com análise da motilidade nos tempos 0, 30 e 60 segundos pós ativação. Como controle, foi utilizada a ativação com solução de NaCl a 0,9% e análise da motilidade nos mesmos tempos descritos para os pesticidas. Resultados indicam que as amostras in natura exibiram motilidade inicial de 89,2 ± 4,9% e tempo de duração médio de 100 segundos (até 10% de motilidade espermática). A redução da motilidade espermática ocorreu de forma significativa (p < 0,05) após 30 segundos em todas as concentrações testadas, exceto na concentração de 240 mg/L por não ter sido observada ativação. Os testes aqui descritos demonstram que o sêmen de tambaqui se mostrou sensível ao processo de exposição aos resíduos de pesticidas, podendo ser utilizado em análises de biomonitoramento dos referidos defensivos agrícolas.

Heavy metal accumulation in Trichogaster fasciata (Bloch & Schneider) from the river Ganges and its tributaries: A health concern for fish-consuming populations

Accumulation of metal in fish flesh is increasing because of heavy metal pollution in rivers of India, which poses significant threat to the consumers’ health. Here, we studied the concentrations of heavy metals [cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn)] in the muscle tissues of Banded or Striped gourami, Trichogaster fasciata Bloch & Schneider collected from the river Ganges and its tributaries in order to assess the risk the consumers are put to. The order of metal accumulation (Zn>Pb>Cu>Cr>Cd) was found to be the same in both the fish muscle and the water samples. Significant values of correlation of coefficient (R = 0.9184-0.9612) of length-weight relationship and mean condition factor ranging between 1.876-2.420 g/cm3 of different populations of the fish were recorded. All metal concentration was negatively correlated with the fish size and condition factor except Zn in Ghaghara and Yamuna (P <0.05) and Pb in the Ganges (P <0.05) and Yamuna (P <0.001). Estimated daily intakes by the fish-eating inhabitants were lower than the maximum tolerable daily intake value except for that of Zn. The target hazard quotient and health index showed that intake of these heavy metals was quite safe by the fish consuming local populations including both the male and females. This study could be used as an essential piece of information for the management purposes of river Ganga to prevent heavy metal pollution and risk associated with it.

Acute toxicity of fluoride and aluminium on the freshwater fish, Cyprinus carpio L

Fluoride is a trace element which has beneficial effect at lower concentration but detrimental at higher concentration. The fluoride contamination in ground water is a major global problem. Similarly, aluminium is the most abundant metal of the earth, highly toxic to all organisms. In the present study, we investigated the acute toxicity of fluoride and aluminium on three month old fingerlings of Cyprinus carpio L. in hard water (Hardness 125 mg/L of CaCO3) under static renewal bioassay. The 96 h LC50 value of the fluoride and aluminium were 675.615 and 224.214 mg/L, respectively. There was a significant correlation (P <0.01) between mortality rate of C. carpio with all concentrations of fluoride as well as aluminium. The exposure time (24, 48, 72 and 96 h) and different concentration of fluoride (680, 684, 686 and 692 mg/L) and aluminium (228, 229, 231 and 232 mg/L) was also significantly correlated (P <0.05). The different abnormal behaviour displayed by the fluoride and aluminium exposed fishes were erratic swimming movements, rapid opercular activity and excessive secretion of mucous. The safe level of concentrations of fluoride and aluminium were 6.75 and 2.24 µg/L, respectively. The LC50 values of fluoride and aluminium of the present study may be useful in deriving water quality standards in West Bengal.

Effects of Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Marine Sediments from Niger Delta on the Growth of Microalga Phaeodactylum tricornutum

Aims: To determine effects of aromatic hydrocarbons and marine sediments from Niger Delta on the growth of microalga Phaeodactylum tricornutum. Study Design: Fifteen treatments and the control were designed in triplicates in which long cells containing 25 mL of the algae-toxicant dilutions were supplemented with 0.0 mg /L, 1.0 mg /L, 1.8 mg /L, 3.2 mg /L, 5.6 mg /L, and 18.0 mg /L of xylene, anthracene and pyrene each; three sediments and potassium dichromate incubated for 3 days at 20 ± 2°C. The fifteen treatments and control (K2Cr2O7) designated as C0, C1, C2, C3, C4 and C5 were used to determine their median effective concentration (ErC50) on the growth of microalga Phaeodactylum tricornutum. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Microbiology, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli Nigeria between February, 2018 and July, 2018. Methodology: A laboratory scale study was carried on the sediment samples from the three studied areas using physiochemical analysis and marine microalga toxicity test. Results: The findings revealed that the three sampling sites contain higher quantities of aromatic hydrocarbons, heavy metals and other physio-chemical parameters in the sediment samples than water samples. The K2Cr2O7had the highest ErC50 value of 08.07 ± 0.03 mg /L with CV and r2 values of 68.61% and 0.99 while pyrene in Nembe sediment had the least ErC50 value of 04.63 ± 0.01 mg /L with CV and r2 values of 78.27% and 0.98 with very strong significant positive linear relationship between algal number and sample concentrations (P = .05). Conclusion: Thus, the toxicity results (> 1 mg /L <EC50 ≤ 10 mg /L) in this study are in line with other toxicity values for this type of toxicants, and are therefore considered to be scientifically relevant in ecotoxicological risk assessment of Niger Delta, Nigeria.

Concentrações de metais pesados nos sedimentos do lago Água Preta (Pará, Brasil) / Concentration of heavy metals in Água Preta lake sediments (Pará, Brazil)

RESUMO O presente trabalho consistiu em avaliar as concentrações de nutrientes e metais pesados nos sedimentos do fundo do lago Água Preta, localizado na Região Metropolitana de Belém, Estado do Pará. As concentrações de metais pesados foram obtidas por espectrometria de emissão por plasma acoplado a espectrometria de massas (ICP-MS). Os metais que apresentaram maior concentração foram o cromo (245 mg.Kg-1) e o níquel (97 mg.Kg-1), os quais estiveram acima do índice que determina o nível de efeito provável (Probable Effect Level - PEL). O trabalho evidenciou o reflexo das pressões antrópicas que o lago Água Preta vem sofrendo ao longo dos anos, mostrando que os sedimentos de fundo se encontram impactados por metais pesados, altas cargas de matéria orgânica e nutrientes.

ABSTRACT The present study evaluated the concentrations of nutrients and heavy metals in bottom sediments of Água Preta lake, located in the metropolitan region of Belém, Pará state, Brazil. Concentrations of heavy metals were obtained by emission spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Metals that showed high concentrations were chromium (245 mg.Kg-1) and nickel (97 mg.Kg-1), both above Propable Effect Level (PEL) index. The work revealed the reflection of the anthropogenic pressures that Água Preta lake has suffered over the years, showing that the bottom sediments are impacted by heavy metals, high loads of organic matter and nutrients.

Genotoxicity and oxidative stress as biomarkers in fresh water mussel, Lamellidens marginalis (Lam.) exposed to monocrotophos.

Monocrotophos (MCP) is an organophosphate pesticide widely used in India for controlling various pests. In this study, we evaluated the oxidative stress and genotoxic potential of MCP on the freshwater mussel Lamellidens marginalis (Lamarck) after 7 days exposure and repair of the damaged DNA after 4 days recovery. The bivalves were exposed to 5.25 mg/L of MCP for 7 days and then allowed to recover for 4 days in pesticide-free water. Increase in the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances was recorded in the gill, muscle, foot and mantle tissues. Cellular antioxidant defences i.e. antioxidant enzyme activities like catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase and glutathione-S-transferase were used as biomarkers of oxidative stress. Altered activities of antioxidant enzymes were observed after exposure. There was a significant recovery in the antioxidative enzymes in the tissues after the recovery period. To monitor genotoxicity of MCP, we used micronucleus and comet assay. Increase in Olive tail moment in the gill cells of exposed mussels as compared to that of control ones indicated significant DNA damage. Our findings suggest that the MCP-induced oxidative stress may be contributing partly to genotoxic damage of gill cells. Thus, these biomarkers are found to be useful in evaluating the toxicity of MCP in mussels.

Assessment of pollution of river Ganges by tannery effluents using genotoxicity biomarkers in murrel fish, Channa punctatus (Bloch).

River pollution due to rapid industrialization and anthropogenic activities adversely affects the aquatic organisms, especially fish. Here, we assessed the genotoxicity, mutagenicity and bioaccumulative aspects of tannery effluents in freshwater murrel, Channa punctatus, an inhabitant of river Gange. Test specimens were collected from three different polluted sites of the river within and nearby Kanpur area during different seasons and blood samples of these specimens were processed for comet assay and micronucleus test as genotoxicity biomarkers. A significantly (P <0.05) higher micronuclei induction, nuclear abnormalities and % tail DNA was observed in the specimens collected from the polluted sites. Bioaccumulation studies in the muscle (1.202 µg/g) and gill tissues (<0.300 µg/g) of the specimens revealed the concentration of chromium (core component of tanning industry) above the maximum permissible limits as prescribed by World Health Organization (WHO). The findings of the present analysis indicated contamination of river Ganges with tannery effluents which induce genotoxicity in fish with seasonal variation.

Impact of marine pollution in green mussel Perna viridis from four coastal sites in Karachi, Pakistan, North Arabian Sea: Histopathological observations.

Pathological changes are regarded as a standard technique to monitor the effects of pollutants in marine animals. Histopathological examination of the population of green mussel Perna viridis (L.) from four sites in Pakistan, namely, Manora Channel, Rehri Creek, Sandspit Backwaters and Bhanbore was conducted. The first three sites are on the Karachi coast, whereas the fourth one, Bhanbore is situated outside Karachi, and is considered to be less polluted. Two types of parasites, Rickettsia-like organisms and metacestode were found in the mussels studied. In the present study, we observed various pathological lesions, such as inflammatory responses, granulocytomas, lipofuscin pigments, vacuolation in the digestive gland and gonads, lamellar fusion and dilated hemolymphatic sinus in the gills of P. viridis. These observations indicate the extent of environmental pollution in the studied areas. Although, Bhanbore is considered to be relatively less polluted compared to other three sites, the present results have revealed that the waters of Bhanbore are also polluted as evidenced by the pathological changes observed in the mussels collected from there.

Dispersal and Variability of Chemical and Biological Indices of Aquaculture Pollution in Igoumenitsa Bay (NW Greece).

The purpose of this work was to monitor nutrient enrichment around a fish farm site in Igoumenitsa Bay (NW Greece). Seasonal samples were collected from the waters and benthos surrounding fish farms in Igoumenitsa Bay, NW Greece. The study was carried out in Igoumenitsa bay between May 2011 and Dec 2012). Seawater samples were collected every month from different sampling sites which were: the open Ioanian sea, 60 meter south and North of the fish farms as well as in the water adjucent to the floating cages. The waters surrounding the fish farms exhibited profound increased mean annual content of phosphorus, which peaked during the summer months. This increase in phosphorus was also reflected in high primary productivity as indicated by increased chl-a content at the sites of the fish farms. A model of dispersion of wastes generated by the fish farms indicates that the major path of dispersion is towards the coast and over a range of more than 120 meters. The directions and velocity of water currents may result in the diffusion of nutrient from point sources such as the fish farms towards deepest part of the bay (South). The results indicate that benthic ecosystem around the fish farms is not significantly disturbed. Nevertheless, the levels of nutrients in the water body and the AZTI’s marine biotic index (AMBI) of the sampling points indicate a potential ecological risk during the summer period. Increased feeding and metabolism of the farmed fish during the growing season is combined with the natural seasonal hydrological conditions and result ina highly localized aquaculture induced eutrophication.

From a water resource to a point pollution source: the daily journey of a coastal urban stream

The aim of this study was to understand how a stream ecosystem that flows from its fountainhead to its mouth inside a city, changes from a water resource to a point pollution source. A multidisciplinary descriptive approach was adopted, including the short-term temporal and spatial determination of physical, chemical, biological and ecotoxicological variables. Results showed that water quality rapidly decreases with increasing urbanization, leading the system to acquire raw sewage attributes even in the first hundred meters after the fountainheads. Despite the tidal circulation near the stream mouth being restricted by shallowness, some improvement of the water quality was detected in this area. The multidisciplinary evaluation showed to be useful for obtaining a more realistic understanding of the stream degradation process, and to forecast restoration and mitigation measures.

Este trabalho teve o objetivo de compreender como um ecossistema de córrego que flui desde as nascentes até sua desembocadura dentro de uma cidade, transforma-se de recurso hídrico em fonte pontual de poluição. Foi adotada uma abordagem descritiva multidisciplinar, incluindo a determinação espacial e temporal em escala diária de variáveis físicas, químicas, biológicas e ecotoxicológicas. Os resultados mostraram que a qualidade da água rapidamente diminui com o aumento da intensidade espacial de urbanização, levando o sistema a adquirir características típicas de esgoto bruto já após suas primeiras centenas de metros de curso. Apesar da circulação relacionada à maré junto a desembocadura ser restrita devido às baixas profundidades, foi registrada certa melhora na qualidade da água nessa área. A avaliação multidisciplinar se mostrou útil para obter uma compreensão mais realista do processo de degradação do córrego e para propor medidas de restauração ou mitigação dos impactos.