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Act Force Gold®, Butaforce®, and Atraforce® are among the most commonly used pesticides in Nigeria. The lethal concentrations and the respective toxic units for the three pesticides were determined. The genotoxic effects of the three pesticides were investigated in the red blood cells of Clarias gariepinus using micronucleus (MN) assay. The 96 h LC50 was 4.75, 4.84, and 54.74 mg L−1 for Act Force Gold®, Butaforce®, and Atraforce®, respectively. The toxic units in ascending order of toxicity were 1.83, 20.66, and 21.05 for Act Force Gold®, Butaforce®, and Atraforce® respectively. The estimated safe levels based on NAS/NAE varied from 4.75 × 10−1–4.75 × 10−5 in Act Force Gold® through 4.64 × 10−1–4.85 × 10−5 in Butaforce® to 5.74–5.74 × 10−5 in Atraforce®. Fish specimens were exposed to the pesticides and sampling was done at regular intervals at days 1, 7, 14, and 21 and after another 7-day recovery period. The results obtained indicated concentration- and duration-dependent increase in % MN formation with maximum values of 3.40 ± 0.25 for Act Force Gold® on day 14 and 3.05 ± 0.36 and 2.35 ± 0.14 for Butaforce® and Atraforce® respectively on day 7 of exposure. The 7-day recovery period could not reverse the trend as the % MN values obtained were significantly different from the control. The results further support the use of MN assay in assessing the toxicity of aquatic pollutants and can be used in the monitoring of aquatic ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lake Van fish (Alburnus tarichi Guldenstadt 1814) is the only fish that can adapt to the extreme conditions (pH 9.8 salinity 0.2% and alkalinity 151.2 meq/L) of Lake Van. In this study, it was aimed to determine the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of chlorpyrifos (CPF) on Lake Van fish primary gill cell culture. Gill epithelium from Lake Van fish was isolated enzymatically and grown in primary culture on Leibovitz's L-15 medium. After different doses (0.01, 0.1, 1, and 10 μM) of CPF were applied to the gill cells, the total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and DNA damage levels (8-hydroxyguanine (8-OHdG)) were examined at the end of 24 and 48 h. It was determined that the TOS, MDA, and 8-OHdG levels increased in the cells exposed to high doses (1 and 10 μM) of CPF and the TAS was decreased (P < 0.05). It was revealed from this study that CPF administered at a dose higher than 1 μM can cause oxidative stress and DNA damage in the primary gill cell culture of Lake Van fish. In addition, the findings showed that Lake Van fish primary gill cell culture was useful in determining the effects of toxic substances likely to be the contaminants of a lake. Graphical Abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In human-altered rivers, fish are often conjointly exposed to an increase in water temperature due to global warming and to a contamination by organic pollutants such as pesticides, but their combined effects are still elusive. Thermal and chemical stressors could potentially interact because high temperature increases metabolism and toxicant uptake, and can alter the ability of organisms to set up adequate stress responses and to maintain homeostasis. These combined stressors could thus potentially result in higher level of molecular and cellular damage, and stronger effects on behavior and physiology, but experimental evidence across biological levels is still scarce. In this study, goldfish Carassius auratus were experimentally exposed to an environmentally realistic cocktail of pesticides (S-metolachlor, isoproturon, linuron, atrazine-desethyl, aclonifen, pendimethalin and tebuconazol) commonly found in rivers of South-West of France at low or high dose in two different thermal conditions: a common summer temperature (22 °C) or a high temperature recorded during heat waves (32 °C). Results showed that high temperature alone caused behavioral and physiological changes (increased swimming activity, increased hepatosomatic index, decreased reproductive index) but limited cellular damage. However, high temperature aggravated the effects of pesticides at the molecular and cellular level. Indeed, pesticide exposure resulted in higher genotoxic effects (micronuclei rate) and irreversible cellular damage of the gills and liver (apoptosis, inflammation, necrosis) at 32 °C compared to 22 °C. This suggests potential synergistic effects of climate change and pollution, and highlights the need for multiple stress approaches to better predict the impacts of human activities on aquatic wildlife. Graphical abstract fx1 Highlights • Pesticides had higher genotoxic effects at high temperature. • Pesticides at high temperature lead to irreversible cellular damage. • High temperature thus aggravated the effects of pesticides in goldfish. • Heat waves and pollution could have unexpected synergistic effects on aquatic life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the negative impact of a variety of environmental contaminants on aquatic animals is essential to curb biodiversity loss and stop degradation of ecological functions. Excessive and unrestricted use of pesticides is the most serious threat to aquatic animals including amphibians and fishes. Among the known pesticides, glyphosate based formulations have been shown to have lethal effects on many aquatic organisms. However, negative effects of pesticides on crucial ecological interactions such as prey-predator interactions are relatively unknown from tropics. In many aquatic organisms, recognition of predators is based on odor signatures; and therefore any anthropogenic alteration in water chemistry has the potential to impair recognition and learning of predators. Through a series of behavioral experiments we evaluated the effect of glyphosate based herbicide (Roundup®) on the antipredator behavior of common spiny loach, Lepidocephalichthys thermalis to understand the effects of pesticide-exposure on recognition of conspecific alarm cues, and associative learning to avoid predation. We exposed common spiny loach (for 3 h or 15 days) to sub-lethal concentration (0.5 mg a.e./L) of Roundup® and subsequently with conspecific alarm cues, signaling the proximity of a predator. Unexposed prey fish showed a significant reduction in activity level in response to conspecific alarm cues. Whereas such alarm response was not observed in prey fish that were exposed to Roundup® either for 3 h or 15 days. Such lack of response could be associated with alteration of olfactory function in prey individuals. However, this inability to detect the conspecific alarm cues was found to be transient and exposed fish recovered within 2 days. In subsequent experiments, we showed that Roundup® deactivates the conspecific alarm cues thus making them unavailable for prey to evoke the response. Furthermore, Roundup® mediated degradation of conspecific alarm cues and diminished the associative learning necessary for detection of the invasive/unknown/novel predators. Overall, due to the worldwide occurrence of glyphosate in water bodies, glyphosate mediated behavioral suppression exposes the prey animals to a considerable risk of predation, both by native and non-native predators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aims to study physiological and Pathohistological changes in tissue and blood of common carp Cyprinus carpio via exposure to different concentration of Carbamyl pesticide (0.1, 0.5 and 1 mg/l) for 96 hour, the results showed GOT activity in blood were significantly increased in the dose (0.1 and 0.5 mg/L) and decreased in dose (1 mg/l). While the activity of glutamate pyruvate transaminase GPT, Cholesterol concentration, Lactate dehydrogenase activity LDH and TG concentration were significantly elevatedin three dose (0.1, 0.5 and 1 mg/l). The pathohistological effects of carbamyl, liver tissue with marked intracellular glycogenosis appearing as a single cytoplasmic vacuole with centrally located nuclei. Portal tracts are normally oriented with no evidence of inflammatory cell infiltrate or interface activity, gastric wall showing gastric glands with normal architecture, cerebral cortex showing mild subpialoedema and mild cerebral oedema marked by periastrocytic halo, cerebellar tissue, showing moderate congestion of subpial blood vessels (small arrows), with normal ependymal lining of fourth ventricle, Cerebral tissue with moderate subpialoedemaandCerebellar tissue with normal granular layer appearing as small round blue cells on the left lower corner with normal Purkinje cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We have come across the plant secondary metabolites having pesticidal properties being used in the form of pesticides. In this study, we used one of newly available and plant metabolite used as pesticide in wide agricultural fields - Karanjin, obtained from seeds of plant Pongamia pinnata. Methods: The study was conducted during the month of March 2016 at the Department of Zoology, Osmania University. The fish common carp- Cyprinus carpio was exposed to sub-lethal concentration of karanjin i.e., 1/10th of 96 h LC50 value (0.28 ppm) for a period of 21 d. Moreover, at 24 h, 7 d, 14 d and 21 d, the peripheral blood of both control and exposed group fishes were studied for the presences of micronuclei and other nuclear abnormalities. Results: The micronuclei were completely absent, i.e., were not seen during the sub-lethal exposure period. There were seen nuclear abnormalities such as blebbed nuclei (BN), notched nuclei (NN), differently shaped nuclei (DSN), pear-shaped nuclei (PSN), circular nuclei (CN), lobed nuclei (LN) and Karyolysed nuclei (KN). The control group showed few nuclear abnormalities. Conclusion: During the sub-lethal exposure, as the days of exposure increased, the types of aberrations and their number also increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pesticide residues in muscles of nine marine fish and four seaweed species of Iskenderun Bay (Northeastern Mediterranean) have been investigated. In sampled fish species, two herbicides, three insecticides, two fungicides, and one synergist were identified and quantified. Metribuzin DADK, propamocarb HCl, and piperonyl butoxide (PBO) were detected in all the muscles of sampled fish species. Metribuzin DADK was the most abundant pesticide residue in fish muscles and the highest metribuzin DADK concentration was found in sardine (311.20 μg/kg). Propamocarb HCl concentrations varied greatly among species; from 0.530 ± 0.020 μg/kg in striped sea bream to 34.170 μg/kg in sea bass. The level of PBO ranged from 0.001 μg/kg for fourlined terapon to 0.013 μg/kg for sardine. No measurable oxamyl residue was found in any of the muscles of sampled fish species (except sardine). In seaweeds, two herbicides and two insecticides were identified and quantified. Metribuzin DADK was the most abundant and found in Cystoseira corniculata (5.01 mg/kg), Corallina elongata (0.703 mg/kg), and Jania rubens (3.85 mg/kg). Molinate was a minor contaminant and only found in Corallina elongata (0.002 mg/kg). Pyrethrin I was determined only in Padina pavonia to be 0.567 mg/kg. Pyrethrine II was found in Padina pavonia and Corallina elongate to be 1.214 and 0.229 mg/kg, respectively. The most hazardous pesticide residues of organochlorines and organophosphorus were not detected in both sampled fish muscles and seaweeds. There are no clear maximum residue limits for the detected eight pesticide residues declared for fish muscle by European Union MRL (2017). In conclusion, it can be considered that observed concentrations of pesticides in sampled nine marine fish species do not have a potential health risk for consumers. Some of the detected pesticide residues can be toxic for algae and aquatic life and regular monitoring studies are therefore essential to control the pesticide concentrations of aquatic biota in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of pesticides has been increased along with increasing the farming activities and has caused environmental impacts deleteriously. In particular, non-target organisms including fish can be affected by toxic effects of pesticides. Therefore, the impacts of malathion (MTN) on oxidative stress and sperm quality were investigated in vitro . The MTN concentrations used on this study were 0 (control), 75, 100, and 125 μg/L. Lipid peroxidation (MDA), non-enzymatic (GSH), and enzymatic (SOD, GSH-Px, and CAT) activities in spermatozoa were examined for determination of oxidative stress status. Our findings showed that motility rate and period of sperm cells significantly decreased with exposure to MTN. Biochemical assays revealed that CAT activity and levels of MDA, GSH increased in spermatozoa based on concentration while activity of GSH-Px and SOD decreased. Consequently, spermatozoa were highly sensitive to MTN exposure. MTN has disruptive effects on sperm quality and caused to oxidative stress in spermatozoa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The zebrafish as a test organism enables the investigation of effects on a wide range of biological levels from molecular level to the whole-organism level. The use of fish embryos represents an attractive model for studies aimed at understanding toxic mechanisms and the environmental risk assessment of chemicals. In the present study, a zebrafish ( Danio rerio ) in vivo model was employed in order to assess the effects of two commonly used pesticides, the insecticide diazinon and the herbicide diuron, on zebrafish early life stages. Since it was previously established that diazinon and diuron cause effects at the whole-organism level, this study assessed the suborganismic responses to exposure to these pesticides and the enzymatic responses (biochemical level) and the gene expression changes (molecular level) were analyzed. Different exposure scenarios were employed and the following endpoints measured: acetylcholinesterase (AChE), carboxylesterase (CES), ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities; and gene expressions of the corresponding genes: acetylcholinesterase ( ache ), carboxylesterase ( ces2 ), cytochrome P450 ( cyp1a ), glutathione-S-transferase ( gstp1 ), catalase ( cat ), glutathione peroxidase ( gpx1a ) and additionally glutathione reductase ( gsr ). Significant changes at both the biochemical and the molecular level were detected. In addition, different sensitivities of different developmental stages of zebrafish were determined and partial recovery of the enzyme activity 48 h after the end of the exposure was observed. The observed disparity between gene expression changes and alterations in enzyme activities points to the necessity of monitoring changes at different levels of biological organization. Different exposure scenarios, together with a comparison of the responses at the biochemical and molecular level, provide valuable data on the effects of diazinon and diuron on low organizational levels in zebrafish embryos and larvae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nile Tilapia, (Oreochromis niloticus L.,) is the most popular animal protein for Egyptian people due to their price and availability. Todays, a ll the production fish exposed to biotic and abiotic environmental stress, that cause huge damage for the fish and costumers. During the current research one common pesticide Lannat was used by different concentrations i.e. 0.8, 1.6 and 3.2 ppm, to investigate the possible genotoxic effect in aquatic organisms, measurement and alteration by the physico- chemical properties of DNA and isolated chromatin from liver tissue and finally, investigating the chromosomal aberrations in vivo induction of sister chromatid exchange (SCEs). This work was carried out at the faculty of Agriculture Saba Basha during the period 2016-2017. The results showed that Mitotic activity in the gills of the control group was higher than in kidneys. In treatments, cells of gills displayed lower mitotic activity compared with that of kidneys. Different mitotic aberrations were recorded with high doses of Lannat such as stickiness and ring chromosomes, deletion, fragments, and Robertsonian Centric Fusion (RCF). Lannat showed that it can induce macro-DNA damage. Lysis of nucleus was also observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of 2 currently used commercial pesticide formulations on Pacific sockeye salmon ( Oncorhynchus nerka), from fertilization to emergence, were evaluated in a gravel-bed flume incubator that simulated a natural streambed. Embryos were exposed to atrazine at 25 µg/L (low atrazine) or atrazine at 250 µg/L (high atrazine) active ingredient (a.i.), and chlorothalonil at 0.5 µg/L (low chlorothalonil) or chlorothalonil at 5 µg/L a.i. (high chlorothalonil) and examined for effects on developmental success and timing, as well as physical and biochemical growth parameters. Survival to hatch was reduced in the high chlorothalonil group (55% compared with 83% in controls), accompanied by a 24% increase in finfold deformity incidence. Reduced alevin condition factor (2.9-5.4%) at emergence and elevated triglyceride levels were seen in chlorothalonil-exposed fish. Atrazine exposure caused premature hatch (average high atrazine time to 50% hatch [H50] = 100 d postfertilization [dpf]), and chlorothalonil exposure caused delayed hatch (high chlorothalonil H50 = 108 dpf; controls H50 = 102 dpf). All treatments caused premature emergence (average time to 50% emergence [E50]: control E50 = 181 dpf, low chlorothalonil E50 = 175 dpf, high chlorothalonil E50 = 174 dpf, high atrazine E50 = 175 dpf, low atrazine E50 = 174 dpf), highlighting the importance of using a gravel-bed incubator to examine this subtle, but critical endpoint. These alterations indicate that atrazine and chlorothalonil could affect survival of early life stages of sockeye salmon in the wild. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:1354-1364. © 2017 SETAC [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The analysis of pesticide residues in fish samples is challenging due to the low concentrations and large number of analytes that need to be monitored and quantified in a complex matrix. This is the first report providing a novel one-step extraction-cleanup strategy for simultaneous analysis of over 340 pesticides in a fatty fish and liver matrix, coupled with liquid-chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. The samples of fish muscle and liver were prepared according to the modified QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe) procedure, wherein the extraction and cleanup protocol were integrated into one step. Among the tested cleanup dispersive solid phase extraction sorbents (C18, primary-secondary amine, Z-Sep), chitin yielded the best results. Spike-in experiments were carried out at three different spiking levels in fish and liver to determine the recovery, precision and limits of detection of the method as well as the matrix effect. The method's detection limits ranged from 0.05 to 1.2 μg kg −1 , while recoveries of most pesticides were in the range of 70–120% with associated precision - relative standard deviations below 20%. A linear relationship was observed within the range of 0.005–1 mg kg −1 , and the correlation coefficient was R 2 >0.997. Expanded measurement uncertainty was estimated to be between 7% and 52%, on average. Matrix effects were evaluated and were not significant for the vast majority of pesticides. The validated method was employed in the analysis of 54 real fish and liver samples in which 10 different pesticides with concentrations ranging from 0.005 to 0.047 mg kg −1 were detected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growth of the aquaculture industry has triggered the need for research into the potential environmental impact of chemicals used by salmon farms to control diseases. In this study, the antiparasitic pesticides emamectin benzoate (EB), diflubenzuron (DI), teflubenzuron (TE), and cypermethrin (CP) were measured in sediments near salmon cages in southern Chile. Concentrations for EB were between 2.2 and 14.6 ng g − 1 , while the benzoylphenyl ureas DI and TE were detected in the ranges of 0.1 to 1.2 ng g − 1 and 0.8 to 123.3 ng g − 1 , respectively. These results were similar to data reported for the Northern Hemisphere. On the other hand, the pyrethroid CP was detected in higher concentrations, ranging from 18.0 to 1323.7 ng g − 1 . According to reported toxicity data, this range represents a potential risk for benthic invertebrates. This report is the first baseline attempt at assessing antiparasitic pesticide levels in the Chilean Patagonia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concentrations of halogenated pesticides in freshwater fish can be affected by age, size, trophic position, and exposure history. Exposure history may vary for individual fish caught at a single location due to different life histories, e.g. they may have hatched in different tributaries before migrating to a specific lake. We evaluated correlations of pesticide concentrations in freshwater brown trout ( Salmo trutta ) from the Clutha River, New Zealand, with potential predictors including capture site, age, length, trophic level, and life history. Life history was determined from otolith (fish ear bone) strontium isotope signatures, which vary among tributaries in the region of our study. Variability in pesticide concentrations between individual fish was not well explained by capture site, age, length, or trophic level. However, hexachlorobenzene (HCB) and chlorpyrifos concentrations were distinct in lake-based trout with different life histories. Additionally, one of the riverine life histories was associated with relatively high concentrations of total endosulfans. Linear models that included all potential predictor variables were evaluated and the resulting best models for HCB, chlorpyrifos, and total endosulfans included life history. These findings show that in cases where otolith isotope signatures vary geographically, they can be used to help explain contaminant concentration variations in fish caught from a single location. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pesticides can exert negative effects on aquatic organisms at very low concentrations. While several prey taxa are frequently used as models in ecotoxicology studies, there is little information about the pesticide-sensitivity of predators. We examined the effects of a frequently applied glyphosate-based herbicide on two common aquatic predators: larval Aeshna cyanea dragonflies and adult male Lissotriton vulgaris newts, which are top predators in ephemeral water bodies lacking fishes. We exposed predators to the herbicide for 18 days under laboratory conditions and measured potential effects on survival, activity, body mass and predatory activity. To maximize detectability of effects, we applied the herbicide at a concentration of 6.5 mg a. e. glyphosate/L, corresponding to the highest concentration expected in nature. Our results showed that the tested herbicide formulation did not have severe effects on any of the measured fitness-related traits. Results of the present study support the hypothesis that the tested species are insensitive to the herbicide and are able to fulfil their important ecological role of top-down regulation even in highly contaminated habitats. However, potential long-term or indirect effects of the herbicide on the fitness of aquatic predators remain unknown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The widely used organotins have the potential to disrupt the endocrine system, but little is known of underlying mechanisms of azocyclotin toxicity in fish. The objective of the present study was to investigate the impact of azocyclotin on reproduction in zebrafish. Adult zebrafish were exposed to 0.09 and 0.45 μg/L azocyclotin for 21 days, and effects on steroid hormones and mRNA expression of the genes belonging to the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonad (HPG) axis were investigated. Mass spectrometry methodology was developed to profile steroids within the metabolome of the gonads. They were disrupted as a result of azocyclotin exposure. Alterations in the expression of key genes associated with reproductive endocrine pathways in the pituitary ( lhβ ), gonad ( cyp19a1a , cyp17a1 and 17β-hsd3 ), and liver ( vtg1, vtg2, cyp1a1, comt, ugt1a and gstp1 ) were correlated with significant reductions in estrogen in both sexes and increased testosterone in females. Azocyclotin-induced down-regulation of cyp19a1a in males suggested a reduction in the rate of estrogen biosynthesis, while up-regulation of hepatic cyp1a1 and comt in both sexes suggested an increase in estrogen biotransformation and clearance. Azocyclotin also induced change in the expression of 17β-hsd3 , suggesting increased bioavailability of 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT) in the blood. Furthermore, the down-regulation of lhβ expression in the brains of azocyclotin-exposed fish was associated with inhibition of oocyte maturation in females and retarded spermatogenesis in males. As a histological finding, retarded development of the ovaries was found to be an important cause for decreased fecundity, with down-regulation of vtg suspected to be a likely underlying mechanism. Additionally, relatively high concentrations of azocyclotin in the gonads may have directly caused toxicity, thereby impairing gametogenesis and reproduction. Embryonic or larval abnormalities occurred in the F1 generation along with accumulated burdens of azocyclotin in F1 eggs, following parental exposure. Overall, our results indicate that exposure to azocyclotin can impair reproduction in fish, and induce toxicity related abnormalities in non-exposed offspring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Use of pesticides or insecticides can be highly toxic to aquatic life forms due to leaching and agricultural runoff, rains or flood. Fipronil (FP) is a GABA receptor inhibitor, while buprofezin (BPFN) is an insect growth regulator. Presently, we exposed groups of aquaria acclimated carp fish ( Cyprinus carpio ) for 96 h to sub-lethal concentrations of fipronil (400 μg L −1 ; 9.15 × 10 −7 mol L −1 ) and buprofezin (BPFN, 100 mg L −1 ; 1.072 × 10 −6 mol L −1 ) singly or in combination. The extent of damage was assessed at biochemical, hematological, molecular biological and histopathological level. Results obtained in treated fish were compared statistically with those of control non-treated fish and also among treatment groups. Significance level was p < 0.05. Compared to control, serum total protein and globulin concentrations decreased significantly ( p < 0.0001) in fish treated with FP; while albumin concentration remained unaltered with all treatments. Glucose concentration decreased significantly ( p < 0.002) in fish treated with FP. In contrast, combined FP + BPFN treatment and BPFN treatment caused insignificant elevation of glucose concentration. Hematological assessment demonstrated significant decrease in red blood cell and thrombocyte counts, hemoglobin concentration and hematocrit percent; while white blood cell count showed an increase in all treatment groups ( p < 0.0001). Blood smears from pesticide treated fish revealed aberrant erythrocyte morphologies which included necrosis, micronuclear formation and hyperchromatosis. DNA laddering assay carried out on whole blood demonstrated excessive smear formation in combined FP + BPFN and BPFN treatment groups but no smear formation was noticeable in FP treated fish. Compared to control, whole blood DNA content increased significantly in the combined FP + BPFN and BPFN treatment groups ( p < 0.001 and p < 0.009). With all treatments histopathological changes observed in the gills were: epithelial uplifting and necrosis of lamellae, lamellar atrophy, disruption of cartilaginous core, fusion and disorganization of lamellae and telangiectasia. In liver these were: karyorrhexis, hepatocellular hypertrophy, nuclear hypertrophy, melanomacrophage aggregates and central vein contraction, while in the kidney: deterioration of glomerulus and dilatation of Bowman’s space, dilatation of renal tubules, thyroidisation, altered tubular lumen, nuclear hypertrophy, cellular atrophy, and cellular necrosis were the outcome. Our study revealed that FP and BPFN produce highly toxic effects on fish when given in combination or singly. To our knowledge, this is the first report on toxicity caused by FP and BPFN in single and combined state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This contribution aimed to characterize physicochemical and kinetic parameters of the brain cholinesterases (ChEs) from Parachromis managuensis and investigate the in vitro effects of pesticides and metal ions on its activity intending to propose as biomarker. This species is suitable for this investigation because (1) it was recently introduced in Brazil becoming invasive (no restrictions on capture) and (2) occupies the top of the food chain (being subject to bioaccumulation). The enzyme extract was exposed to 10 metal ions (Al 3+ , Ba 2+ , Cd 2+ , Cu 2+ , Hg 2+ , Mg 2+ , Mn 2+ , Pb 2+ , Fe 2+ and Zn 2+ ) and ChEs selective inhibitors (BW284c51, Iso-OMPA, neostigmine and serine). The extract was also incubated with organophosphate (dichlorvos) and carbamate pesticides (carbaryl and carbofuran). Inhibition parameters (IC 20 , IC 50 and ki) were determined. Selective inhibitors and kinetic parameters confirmed acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) -like as responsible for the ChE activities, most AChE. The IC 50 values for pesticides were: 1.68 μM (dichlorvos); 4.35 μM (carbaryl) and 0.28 μM (carbofuran). Most of the analyzed ions did not show significant effect at 1 mM ( p = 0.05), whereas the following ions inhibited the enzyme activity in the order: Hg 2+ > Cu 2+ > Cd 2+ > Zn 2+ . Mercury ion strongly inhibited the enzyme activity (IC 20 = 0.7 μM). The results about allow to conclude that P. managuensis brain AChE is a potential biomarker for heavy metals and pesticides under study, mainly for the carbamate carbofuran once it was capable to detect 6-fold lower levels than the limit concentration internationally recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work is devoted to the applications of the multiple linear regression (MLR), multilayer perceptron neural network (MLP NN) and projection pursuit regression (PPR) to quantitative structure–property relationship analysis of bioconcentration factors (BCFs) of pesticides tested on Bluegill ( Lepomis macrochirus ). Molecular descriptors of a total of 107 pesticides were calculated with the DRAGON Software and selected by inverse enhanced replacement method. Based on the selected DRAGON descriptors, a linear model was built by MLR, nonlinear models were developed using MLP NN and PPR. The robustness of the obtained models was assessed by cross-validation and external validation using test set. Outliers were also examined and deleted to improve predictive power. Comparative results revealed that PPR achieved the most accurate predictions. This study offers useful models and information for BCF prediction, risk assessment, and pesticide formulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water is indispensable for all physiological processes that determine the natural, correct development of living organisms. The intense anthropogenic activity diminished water retention capacity and caused increasing pollution to an extent that often threatens public health (NIKONOROV, 1981). The production and use of pesticides is a serious threat to the hydrosphere, which receives large amounts of such chemical substances, because of the waste discharges from the factories of antiparasitic products or because of rainwaters that wash away these substances from the treated agricultural lands (MOHAN & ARDELEAN, 1993). The spread of pesticides has become global as they are present in all inland waters which, in the end, reach different seas and oceans (BREZEANU & SIMON-GRUIŢĂ, 2002). In case of water contaminated with pesticides, the environmental impact is mainly due to the bioconcentration and biomagnification capacity of pesticides in organisms (GAVRILESCU, 2008). The paper renders the results of the investigations referring to the modifications of certain physiological indices under the influence of the fungicide Antracol 70 WP (Propineb 70%) at two thermal thresholds. Temperature is one of the most important environmental factors the living organisms had to adapt to in order to maintain their vital functions at an optimum level (MIHAI & BREZEANU, 2013). Antracol is a contact organic fungicide from the dithiocarbamate group. It is toxic to fish and aquatic invertebrates (KIDD & JAMES, 1991). It produces thyroid cancer in laboratory animals (HASEGAWA et al., 1993). The investigations proved that the fungicide Antracol 70 WP has an inhibitory effect on the oxygen consumption and respiratory rate on the investigated fish species (Carassius gibelio Bloch); at the same time, it increased the number of erythrocytes and reduced the glycaemic level having a hypoglycaemic effect. The carried out experiments emphasized that the fungicide Antracol 70 WP is toxic to fish even at very low concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The combined use of guided quantitative expert analysis and of multivariate exploratory data analysis is reported as a robust, sensitive and sufficiently specific approach to study European sea bass gill secondary lamellar pathology after exposure to incremental doses of cadmium and terbuthylazine up to 48 h. The following elementary pathological findings were considered: “epithelial lifting”, “epithelial shrinkage”, “epithelial swelling”, “pillar cells coarctation”, “pillar cells detachment”, “channels fusion”, “chloride cells swelling”, and “chloride cells invasion”. The relative spatial extension was determined according to exposure class and data were analyzed by means of canonical correspondence analysis (CCA), linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and canonical variates analysis (CVA). Histologically and ultrastructurally, cellular shrinkage/coarctation prevailed in cadmium exposed lamellae, whereas cellular swelling and epithelial lifting were predominant in terbuthylazine exposed lamellae compared to unexposed fish. Both CCA and CVA permit a good graphical data grouping according to exposure classes by means of the convex hull minimum polygons. This also reveals exposure dose and time gradients in CCA plot. Accordingly, epithelial swelling and epithelial shrinkage were comparatively associated to higher exposure time, whereas epithelial shrinkage and pillar cells coarctation were comparatively associated to higher exposure dose. LDA with only “epithelial shrinkage”, “epithelial swelling” and “pillar cells coarctation” in the model classified correctly 87.5% of the cross-validated cases. A possible pathogenetic relationship between the discriminant elementary lesions and the toxic mode of action at the cellular level of both cadmium and terbuthylazine is also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecotoxicological effects of industrial chemicals (Rig wash, Oil eater, Nalco, Glycol?) and pesticides (Propoxur, Deltamethrin, Atrazine, Furadan) on Tilapia guineensis (fish) and Aporrectodea longa (earthworms) were tested using the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) # 203 and 207 protocols. The water and soil ratings indicate that the test chemicals were toxic to the organisms. The estimated 96 hour lethal concentration LC50 values for Rig wash, Oil eater, Nalco EC1304A/COT 505, Glycol, Propoxur, and Deltamethrin were 26.34±0.46, 6.02±0.30, 3.07±0.14, 1.31±0.01, 20.91±0 and 0.01±0 mg/l respectively. In the earthworm bioassay, the estimated 14-day LC50 values for Rigwash, Oil eater, Nalco EC1304A/COT 505, Glycol, Atrazine and Furadan were 80.05±3.5, 151.55±10.7, 172.63±14.2, 63.72±2.43, 4.97±0 and 0.29±0 mg/kg respectively. Safety factors are arbitrarily built in around the LC50 values in order to arrive at environmentally tolerable concentrations. The concentration of a chemical in the receiving environment should not exceed 10% of the LC50. The organisms exposed to the test chemicals showed significant difference when compared with the levels measured in the control group. The observed sensitivity of the test organisms to the chemicals indicates that adherence to standard safety limits/measures should be maintained during use and disposal of hazardous chemicals. This would ensure that the biotic components of the Nigerian Niger Delta ecosystem are prudently protected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atrazine (ATR) and chlorpyrifos (CPF) are widely used pesticides in agricultural practices throughout world. It has resulted in a series of toxicological and environmental problems, such as impacts on many non-target aquatic species, including fish. The spleen and head kidney in the bony fish are the major hematopoietic organs, and play a crucial part in immune responses. This study evaluated the subchronic effects of ATR and CPF on the mRNA and protein levels of HSP60, HSP70 and HSP90 in the immune organs of common carp and compared the acute and subchronic effects of ATR and CPF on the swimming speed (SS) of common carp. The results of acute toxicity tests showed that the 96 h-LC 50 of ATR and CPF for common carp was determined to be 2.142 and 0.582 mg/L, respectively. Meanwhile, acute and subacute toxicity of ATR and CPF in common carp resulted in hypoactivity. We also found that the mRNA and protein levels of HSP60, HSP70 and HSP90 genes were induced in the spleen and head kidney of common carp exposed to ATR and CPF in the subchronic toxicity test. Our results indicate that ATR and CPF are highly toxic to common carp, and hypoactivity in common carp by acute and subchronic toxicity of ATR and CPF may provide a useful tool for assessing the toxicity of triazine herbicide and organophosphorous pesticides to aquatic organisms. In addition, the results from the subchronic toxicity test exhibited that increasing concentration of ATR and CPF in the environment causes considerable stress for common carp, suggesting that ATR and CPF exposure cause immunotoxicity to common carp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climbing perch is commonly harvested in rice fields and associated wetlands in the Mekong Delta. Despite its importance in providing food and income to local households, there is little information how this fish species is affected by the high use of pesticides in rice farming. Organophosphate insecticides, such as chlorpyrifos ethyl, which are highly toxic to aquatic organisms, are commonly used in the Mekong Delta. This study shows that the brain acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in climbing perch fingerlings cultured in rice fields, was significantly inhibited by a single application of chlorpyrifos ethyl, at doses commonly applied by rice farmers (0.32–0.64 kg/ha). The water concentration of chlorpyrifos ethyl decreased below the detection level within 3 days, but the inhibition of brain AChE activity remained for more than 12 days. In addition, the chlorpyrifos ethyl treatments had a significant impact on the survival and growth rates of climbing perch fingerlings, which were proportional to the exposure levels. The results indicate that the high use of pesticides among rice farmers in the Mekong Delta could have a negative impact on aquatic organisms and fish yields, with implications for the aquatic biodiversity, local people's livelihoods and the aquaculture industry in the Mekong Delta. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to determine the levels of pesticides in the fishProchilodus costatuscaught in São Francisco River, one of most important rivers in Brazil. Thirty-six fish were captured in three different areas, and samples of the dorsal muscle and pooled viscera were collected for toxicological analysis. We evaluated the presence of 150 different classes of insecticides, fungicides, herbicides and acaricides by multiresidue analysis technique using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), with the limit of detection of 5 ppb. In this study, organophosphorus and carbamate pesticides were detected at the highest levels in the caught fish. Among the 41 organophosphorus pesticides surveyed, nine types were detected (chlorpyrifos, diazinon, dichlorvos, disulfoton, ethion, etrimfos, phosalone, phosmet and pyrazophos) in the muscle, viscera pool, or both in 22 (61.1%) fish. Sampled tissues of 20 (55.6%) fish exhibited at least one of the eight evaluated carbamate pesticides and their metabolites: aldicarb, aldicarb sulfoxide, carbaryl, carbofuran, carbosulfan, furathiocarb, methomyl and propoxur. Fungicides (carbendazim, benalaxyl, kresoxim-methyl, trifloxystrobin, pyraclostrobin and its metabolite BF 500 pyraclostrobin), herbicides (pyridate and fluasifopp-butyl), acaricide (propargite) and pyrethroid (flumethrin) were also detected. In conclusion,P. costatusfish caught in the São Francisco River contained residues of 17 different pesticides, in both muscles and the viscera pool, indicating heavy environmental contamination by pesticides in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indicators are used to quantify the pressure of pesticides on the environment. Pesticide risk indicators typically require weighting environmental exposure by a no effect concentration. An indicator based on spread equivalents (ΣSeq) is used in environmental policy in Flanders (Belgium). The pesticide risk for aquatic life is estimated by weighting active ingredient usage by the ratio of their maximum allowable concentration and their soil halflife. Accurate estimates of total pesticide usage in the region are essential in such calculations. Up to 2012, the environmental impact of pesticides was estimated on sales figures provided by the Federal Government. Since 2013, pesticide use is calculated based on results from the Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN). The estimation of pesticide use was supplemented with data for non-agricultural use based on sales figures of amateur use provided by industry and data obtained from public services. The Seq-indicator was modified to better reflect reality. This method was applied for the period 2009-2012 and showed differences between estimated use and sales figures of pesticides. The estimated use of pesticides based on accountancy data is more accurate compared to sales figures. This approach resulted in a better view on pesticide use and its respective environmental impact in Flanders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, the author discusses effect of contaminants including certain pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and industrial compounds on fishes and reflects on researchers efforts to fight against multifaceted problem of ecotoxicology.

Under normal conditions, autophagy occurs at basal levels but can be induced rapidly in response to stress conditions and extracellular signals. Increasing experimental evidence indicates that the expression of autophagy-related genes play very important roles in toxicology. Atrazine (ATR) and chlorpyrifos (CPF) are the most common agrochemical in the freshwater ecosystems of the world. This study assessed the effects of ATR, CPF and combined ATR/CPF exposure on the liver of common carp. Carp were sampled after a 40-d exposure to ATR and CPF, individually or in combination, followed by a 40-d recovery to measure the mRNA and protein levels of autophagy-related genes in the liver. In addition, we also investigated the change in ultrastructure in the liver. The results revealed that the mRNA and protein levels of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 B (LC3B) and dynein were significantly induced in the treated groups compared to the solvent control group. Transmission electron microscope assays indicated that autolysosomes were observed in the exposure and recovery groups. These results indicated that ATR and CPF could induce autophagy in carp liver. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report to study the autophagy effects caused by sub-chronic exposure to ATR, CPF and the ATR/CPF combination in common carp. The information presented in the present study may provide new insights into the mechanisms used by fish to adapt to stressful environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assessed the impacts of atrazine (ATR), chlorpyrifos (CPF) and combined ATR/CPF exposure on the kidney of common carp ( Cyprinus carpio L .). The carp were sampled after a 40-d exposure to CPF and ATR, individually or in combination, followed by a 40-d recovery to measure the expression levels of heat shock proteins genes (HSP60, HSP70 and HSP90) and pesticide residues in the kidney tissue. The results revealed that the mRNA and protein levels of HSP60, HSP70 and HSP90 were induced in the kidney of common carp by ATR, CPF, and ATR/CPF mixture. The accumulated amounts of ATR, CPF, and their metabolites in the kidney tissues exhibited dose-dependency. These results exhibited that increasing concentration of ATR and CPF in the environment causes considerable stress for common carp, suggesting that the expression levels of HSP60, HSP70 and HSP90 may act as potential biomarkers for assessing the environmental ATR and CPF risk for carp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coastal development has generated multiple stressors in marine and estuarine ecosystems, including habitat degradation and pollutant exposure, but the effects of these stressors on the ecology of fishes remain poorly understood. We studied the separate and combined effects of an acute 4 h sublethal exposure of the pyrethroid pesticide esfenvalerate and structural habitat complexity on behavior and predation risk of larval topsmelt ( Atherinops affinis). Larvae were exposed to four nominal esfenvalerate concentrations (control, 0.12, 0.59, 1.18 μg/L), before placement into 12 L mesocosms with a three-spine stickleback ( Gasterosteus aculeatus) predator. Five treatments of artificial eelgrass included a (1) uniform and (2) patchy distribution of eelgrass at a low density (500 shoots per m), a (3) uniform and (4) patchy distribution of eelgrass at a high density (1,000 shoots per m), and (5) the absence of eelgrass. The capture success of predators and aggregative behavior of prey were observed in each mesocosm for 10 min of each trial, and mortality of prey was recorded after 60 min. Exposure to esfenvalerate increased the proportion of larvae with swimming abnormalities. Surprisingly, prey mortality did not increase linearly with pesticide exposure but increased with habitat structure (density of eelgrass), which may have been a consequence of compensating predator behavior. The degree of prey aggregation decreased with both habitat structure and pesticide exposure, suggesting that anti-predator behaviors by prey may have been hampered by the interactive effects of both of these factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fish are capable of sensing water-borne chemicals at sub-lethal concentrations. Inadequate behavioral responses to physiological and environmental stimuli owing to adverse effects of aquatic toxicants can have serious implications for survival. In this study we exposed juvenile rainbow trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss ) during 5 days to a low-concentration mixture of three co-occurring herbicides: atrazine, linuron and metolachlor, at maximum concentrations of 4.5, 4.9 and 13.4 μg L -1, respectively. Our hypothesis was that fish behavior – swimming activity and interactions between individuals – would be modified due to exposure to the mixture. We studied these behaviors by observing fish twice-daily throughout the exposure period at 30-s intervals for 5 min, registering the vertical distribution of fish in the water column and the number of agoniztic acts between all individuals. Fish exposed to the mixture of herbicides were hypoactive and spent more time in the lower parts of the aquaria in comparison to non-exposed controls, reflecting inhibited swimming activity. Average swimming height of exposed fish decreased significantly with the number of agoniztic acts, whilst in control groups there was no significant relationship between the two behaviors. Overall, behavior of fish exposed for a short time to the herbicide mixture was altered in comparison to control-fish behavior. The behavioral endpoints chosen here were easily observed, simple to quantify, and of ecological relevance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This 3 × 3 factorial study assessed pyrethroids, carbamates and neonicotenoids groups of pesticides in replicated samples of three fish species from low (S1, reference), medium (S2) and heavy (S3) polluted sites receiving agricultural run-offs around the Indus River. Water and sediment samples from the same sites were also analysed for these pesticides by using high-performance liquid chromatography. Out of nine investigated pesticides, only three pesticides (deltamethrin, carbofuran and cypermethrin) were detected in fish and sediment samples. Deltamethrin in Cyprinus carpio ranged from 0.490 to 0.839 μg/g, mostly exceeding 0.5 μg/g as the maximum residual limit suggested by FAO-WHO, whereas it ranged from 0.214 to 0.318 μg/g in the sampled sediments. The carbofuran concentrations were 0.0425-0.066 and 0.613-0.946 μg/g in Labeo rohita and Channa marulius muscles respectively and 0.069-0.081 μg/g in the corresponding sediment samples. These values were either higher or lower than the maximum limit (0.1 μg/g) as suggested by FAO-WHO. Conversely, the cypermethrin concentration ranged from 0.141 to 0.174 in Ch. marulius and 0.183-0.197 μg/g in sediments which were both below the FAO-WHO maximum limit of 2 μg/g. No pesticide residues were detected in water from these sampling sites. Most selected physicochemical variables were within the acceptable range of World Health Organization for the water quality for aquatic life. The detected pesticide contents were mostly higher in fish muscles from heavily polluted sites. This is worrying because these pesticides may pose health risks for the fish and people of the study area. However, a preliminary risk assessment indicated that the calculated daily intake of detected pesticides by people consuming fish from the Indus River was low and did not present an immediate risk to the fish-consuming people. This study may be used as a benchmark to determine the safety of fish meat in order to develop intervention strategies to maintain the water quality and to protect the health of fish and fish-consuming people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interactions of carbon nanotubes with pesticides, such as carbofuran, classical contaminants (e.g., pesticides, polyaromatic hydrocarbons, heavy metals, and dyes) and emerging contaminants, including endocrine disruptors, are critical components of the environmental risks of this important class of carbon-based nanomaterials. In this work, we studied the modulation of acute carbofuran toxicity to the freshwater fish Nile tilapia ( Oreochromis niloticus ) by nitric acid treated multiwalled carbon nanotubes, termed HNO 3 –MWCNT. Nitric acid oxidation is a common chemical method employed for the purification, functionalisation and aqueous dispersion of carbon nanotubes. HNO 3 –MWCNT were not toxic to Nile tilapia at concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 3.0 mg/L for exposure times of up to 96 h. After 24, 48, 72 and 96 h, the LC 50 values of carbofuran were 4.0, 3.2, 3.0 and 2.4 mg/mL, respectively. To evaluate the influence of carbofuran-nanotube interactions on ecotoxicity, we exposed the Nile tilapia to different concentrations of carbofuran mixed together with a non-toxic concentration of HNO 3 –MWCNT (1.0 mg/L). After 24, 48, 72, and 96 h of exposure, the LC 50 values of carbofuran plus nanotubes were 3.7, 1.6, 0.7 and 0.5 mg/L, respectively. These results demonstrate that HNO 3 –MWCNT potentiate the acute toxicity of carbofuran, leading to a more than five-fold increase in the LC 50 values. Furthermore, the exposure of Nile tilapia to carbofuran plus nanotubes led to decreases in both oxygen consumption and swimming capacity compared to the control. These findings indicate that carbon nanotubes could act as pesticide carriers affecting fish survival, metabolism and behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to determine the effect of glyphosate on the transcriptional and enzymatic activity of antioxidant metabolism enzymes of juvenile rainbow trout with short term (6, 12, 24, 48 and 96 h) and long term (21 days) exposures followed by a recovery treatment. This study also aims to determine the effects of glyphosate exposure on liver tissue damage and swimming performance due to short term (2.5, 5 and 10 mg/L) and long term (2.5 and 5 mg/L) exposures. Following pesticide administration, ten fish, each as a sample, were caught at 6th, 12th, 24th, 48th and 96th -h for the short term, and at 21st day for the long term exposure study. GP x activity was found to be significantly induced 12 h after the exposure to 2.5 mg/L of glyphosate as compared with the control group. A similar degree of induction was also observed for CAT activity but not for SOD. For long term exposure, except for the GP x activity after exposure to 5 mg/L of glyphosate, the activities of all other enzymes remained on a par with the control group. It was also observed that the levels of gene expression of these enzymes were not comparable with each other. It is assumed that these differences might result from the effect of glyphosate before translation and the possible reasons for this scenario are also discussed. The results of swimming performance are found to be consistent with responses of the antioxidant system, and they are attributed to the energy metabolism. The data are also supported with liver histopathology analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Goldfish ( Carassius auratus ) represents a good model to detect the estrogenic effects of chemicals, and vitellogenin (Vtg) is a vital indicator of estrogenic activity. The heterologous anti-carp Vtg antibody has previously been used for goldfish Vtg detection. Here, we report the preparation of an anti-goldfish Vtg antibody to improve the sensitivity and specificity of goldfish Vtg immunoassays. Vtg was purified from the plasma of 17 β -estradiol (E 2 )-induced goldfish by gel filtration followed by anion-exchange chromatography. It was characterized as a phospholipoglycoprotein with an apparent molecular weight of ~460 kDa and separated into three major polypeptides corresponding to ~130, ~106, and ~81 kDa by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). A polyclonal antibody against goldfish Vtg was raised in rabbits and found to be specific for goldfish Vtg through immunoelectrophoresis and Western blot. A sensitive sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed for the quantification of plasma Vtg, with a detection limit of 3.6 ng/mL and a detection range from 7.8 to 250 ng/mL. The intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variations were 2.4–6.8% and 6.7–10.8%, respectively. Additionally, we qualitatively and quantitatively detected the induction of Vtg in male fish exposed to 0.01, 0.01, and 1.00 mg/L monocrotophos pesticide by Western blot and ELISA. The homologous sandwich ELISA based on the anti-goldfish Vtg antibody could provide a valuable tool for the study of estrogenic effects of exogenous chemicals on goldfish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endosulfan is an organochlorine pesticide commonly found in aquatic environments that has been found to reduce thermal tolerance of fish. Lipotropes such as the food additive, Lecithin has been shown to improve thermal tolerance in fish species. This study was conducted to evaluate the role of lipotropes (lecithin) for enhancing the thermal tolerance of Chanos chanos reared under sublethal low dose endosulfan-induced stress. Two hundred and twenty-five fish were distributed randomly into five treatments, each with three replicates. Four isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets were prepared with graded levels of lecithin: normal water and fed with control diet (En0/L0), endosulfan-treated water and fed with control diet (En/L0), endosulfan-treated water and fed with 1% (En/L1%), 1.5% (En/L 1.5%) and 2% (En/L 2%) lecithin supplemented feed. The endosulfan in treated water was maintained at the level of 1/40th of LC 50 (0.52 ppb). At the end of the five weeks, critical temperature maxima (CTmax), lethal temperature maxima (LTmax), critical temperature minima (CTmin) and lethal temperature minima (LTmin) were Determined. There was a significant ( P <0.01) effect of dietary lecithin on temperature tolerance (CTmax, LTmax, CTmin and LTmin) of the groups fed with 1, 1.5 and 2% lecithin-supplemented diet compared to control and endosulfan-exposed groups. Positive correlations were observed between CT max and LTmax ( R 2 =0.934) as well as between CTmin and LTmin ( R 2 =0.9313). At the end of the thermal tolerance study, endosulfan-induced changes in cellular stress enzymes (Catalase, SOD and GST in liver and gill and neurotansmitter enzyme, brain AChE) were significantly ( p <0.01) improved by dietary lecithin. We herein report the role of lecithin in enhancing the thermal tolerance and protection against cellular stress in fish exposed to an organochlorine pesticide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pesticides are widely used in modern agriculture to aid in the production of high quality food. However, some pesticides have the potential to cause serious health and/or environmental damage. Organophosphates (OCP'S) and carbamates can cause pollution in freshwater ecosystem, as well as having a significant effect on the health of fish. The acute effects of commercial formulation of triazophos, profenofos, carbofuran and carbaryl were determined in one of the indigenous fish species, Catla catla fingerlings. Pesticides were applied to fingerlings that had been grown under optimised standard conditions under a maintained static bioaßay system. Probit analysis was used for the estimation of LC50 values, which were ascertained as 4.84, 0.19, 0.99 and 7.89 mg/L for triazophos, profenofos, carbofuran and carbaryl, respectively. 100% mortality of Catla catla was observed with a 2.8 mg/L dose of carbofuran at 96 hours with a significant difference. Acute toxic streß was noticed with subjects exhibiting behavioral intoxication, including suffocation, lying on the bottom, erratic swimming, lethargy and downward movements and gulping prior to mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article provides assessment of the presence of pesticides in the U.S. streams and rivers from 1992-2011 and compares them to previously reported findings from 1992-2001. Topics discussed include use of herbicides and fungicides to increase crop production and reduce insect-borne disease, adverse effects of pesticides on aquatic life and presence of insecticides atrazine, diazinon and malathion in rivers.

The present study was performed to investigate the impact of sublethal concentrations of malathion on different behavioural aspects of Heteropneustes fossilis. LC50 of malathion for 96 hrs by static bioassay test was found to be 21.34 μl/L .The fishes were exposed to three different sublethal concentrations (2.13μl/L, 1.07 μl/L and 0.71 μl/L) for 21 days. Malathion exposure caused decrease in resting period, increase in opercular movement and air gulping, increase in S-jerk, threat and burst swimming behaviour. Slow response during feeding, swimming on the upper surface of water hanging vertically, spreading throughout aquarium was also observed in pesticide treated fishes. In the highest concentration i.e. 2.13μl/L mortality of fishes occurred. Fishes died with bending of the mid section of the body and opening mouth. Fishes lay down motionless at the bottom of the aquarium before death. Fading of body colour was also observed in malathion treated fishes. These results suggest that sublethal concentrations of malathion has negative impact on the behavior of Heteropneustes fossilis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pesticides are frequently detected in urban streams, with concentrations often exceeding those reported in surface waters within agricultural areas. The authors studied growth, survival, and return rates of coho salmon ( Oncorhynchus kisutch) smolts exposed to a pesticide mixture ('cocktail') representative of the pesticides most frequently reported within urban streams in western Washington State, USA, in fall through early spring. Exposure concentrations were selected to represent a reasonable worst-case scenario based on field monitoring data. Smolts were continuously exposed to pulses of the cocktail either from fertilization through swim-up (2007-2008) or from fertilization through smoltification (2007-2008 and 2008-2009), coded wire tagged, and released in 2008 and 2009. Pre-release endpoints (growth, survival, sex ratio, brain acetylcholinesterase activity, and gonado- and hepatosomatic indices) were not affected. However, the number of returning adults exposed to the cocktail to swim-up (0.90%, n = 42) was more than double that of unexposed controls (0.38%, n = 26) in 2008, whereas in 2009, fish exposed through smoltification returned in lower numbers (0.15%, n = 18) than controls (0.37%, n = 30). Variability in return rates among treatments between years was comparable to that observed in previous whole life cycle studies with Pacific salmon and other contaminants. Results suggest that exposure to pesticides in urban streams does not directly impair early life stages of coho salmon, and that additional studies incorporating releases of larger numbers of smolts across several years are necessary to adequately quantify effects on return rates. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:???-???. © 2014 SETAC [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Matrix modelling for 21 potentially exposed fish species to pesticides showed that: [•] One least resilient fish species to all types of pesticide stress does not exist. [•] European minnow populations were the least resilient to reduction in fertility. [ • ] Northern pike populations were the least resilient to increased adult mortality. [ • ] European brook lamprey populations were the least resilient to increased juvenile mortality. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The present work aimed to evaluate the toxic effects of two sublethal concentrations of carbofuran pesticide (0.16 and 0.49mg/L, for 35 days) on hematological and blood biochemical parameters of catfish, Clarias gariepinus, and to evaluate the genotoxic potential of carbofuran on the erythrocytes of C. gariepinus for the first time by micronucleus and erythrocyte alteration assays. The results revealed a significant (p<0.05) decrease in red blood cells (RBCs) count, haemoglobin (Hb) concentration, haematocrit (Hct) and the mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) levels, but the mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and the mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) levels were increased. White blood cells (WBCs) count, neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils and monocytes were increased significantly (p<0.05), while the lymphocytes were decreased. Also, carbofuran exposure caused a significant (p<0.05) increase in aspartic aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and a significant (p<0.05) decrease in alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. The results obtained showed a significant (p<0.05) increase in plasma glucose, total lipids, urea and creatinin levels, but the total protein, albumin concentration and globulin levels were decreased (p<0.05) significantly and consequently A/G ratio also decreased. Carbofuran caused many genotoxic and morphological alterations in erythrocytes such as formation of micronuclei (MN), echinocytes, acanthocytes, tear like drop cells, microcytes and erythrocytes with vacuolated cytoplasm and pale nucleus. The exposed groups have shown significant variations in frequencies of MN and altered erythrocytes in comparison to control group, and these frequencies increased significantly (p<0.05) with the increase of carbofuran concentration. Therefore, current results present a clear evidence of the response of C. gariepinus to carbofuran and allow us to consider that C. gariepinus as a good bioindicator to reflect the toxicity and the genotoxic potential of carbofuran that might be released into the aquatic ecosystems. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: The extensive use of chemical pesticides on farmlands during the last several decades in China has led to a rapid deterioration of environmental water quality in recent years. The aims of this study were to: reconstruct the history of pesticide residues, determine the input load and residual load of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) pesticides, and assess the risk of pesticide residues to aquatic ecosystem and human health. Materials and methods: Caesium-137 was used to date sediment cores collected from ponds representing four land use types of an agricultural watershed with high-yield grain production and characterized by multipond systems in the Yangtze-Huaihe region of China. These ponds were selected to establish the historic pattern of DDT pesticide residues. Results and discussion: (1) The mean total concentration of DDT residues including p, p ′-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene ( p, p′-DDE), p, p ′-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane ( p, p′-DDD), o, p′-DDT, and p, p′-DDT in sediment in the watershed was 82 μg kg, ranging from under the detection limit to 457 μg kg, which was mostly contributed by p, p′-DDE (57 μg kg on average). Spatially, total concentrations of DDT residues in farmland pond sediment were the highest, reaching as high as 457 μg kg. Temporally, an inflection point appeared in the 1970s, prior to which DDT contents increased with time, after which concentrations showed a decreasing trend. (2) In total, 323 kg DDT pesticide was applied to the Liuchahe Watershed since 1955. The total retention of four DDT residues in the multipond system was 14 kg (∼4 % of the input), and most DDT pesticide was degraded to p, p ′-DDE. (3) More than 80 % of sediment DDT residues exceeded their interim freshwater sediment quality guidelines, and the percentages of DDT,DDD, and DDE residues exceeding probable effect limit (PEL) values were 57, 29, and 70 %, respectively, which indicated a moderate to high ecological risk of DDT in this watershed. Conclusions: Our results clearly reveal that the extensive use of pesticides has resulted in significant pesticide residual pollution in this watershed, which could severely deteriorate water quality and threaten aquatic ecosystem and human health in the watershed and, thus, remain a cause for concern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The decline of freshwater fish biodiversity corroborates the trends of unsustainable pesticide usage and increase of disease incidence in the last few decades. Little is known about the role of nonlethal exposure to pesticide, which is not uncommon, and concurrent infection of opportunistic pathogens in species decline. Moreover, preventative measures based on current knowledge of stress biology and an emerging role for epigenetic (especially methylation) dysregulation in toxicity in fish are lacking. We herein report the protective role of lipotropes/methyl donors (like choline, betaine and lecithin) in eliciting primary (endocrine), secondary (cellular and hemato-immunological and histoarchitectural changes) and tertiary (whole animal) stress responses including mortality (50%) in pesticide-exposed (nonlethal dose) and pathogen-challenged fish. The relative survival with betaine and lecithin was 10 and 20 percent higher. This proof of cause-and-effect relation and physiological basis under simulated controlled conditions indicate that sustained stress even due to nonlethal exposure to single pollutant enhances pathogenic infectivity in already nutritionally-stressed fish, which may be a driver for freshwater aquatic species decline in nature. Dietary lipotropes can be used as one of the tools in resurrecting the aquatic species decline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pesticides like malathion have the potential to disrupt development and reproduction of aquatic organisms including fishes. To investigate the likely consequences of malathion exposure at low doses in juvenile catfish, Clarias batrachus, we studied the expression pattern of genes encoding certain transcription factors, activin A, sex steroid or orphan nuclear receptors and steroidogenic enzymes which are known to be involved in gonadal development along with histological changes. To compare further, we also analyzed certain brain specific genes related to gonadal axis. Fifty days post hatch catfish fingerlings were exposed continuously to 1 and 10µg/L of malathion for 21 days. Results from these experiments indicated that transcript levels of various genes were altered by the treatments, which may further affect the gonadal development either directly or indirectly through brain. Histological analysis revealed slow progression of spermatogenesis in testis, while in ovary, the oil droplet oocytes were found to be higher after treatment (10µg/L). Our findings revealed that the exposure of malathion, even at low doses, hinder or modulate early gonadal development differentially by targeting gene expression pattern of transcription factors, activin A, sex steroid or orphan nuclear receptors and steroidogenic enzymes with an evidence on histological changes. Further, some of the genes showed differential expression at the level of brain in male and female sex after the exposure of malathion. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Hepatic antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) of Nile tilapia in response to pesticide methomyl and recovery pattern were researched by exposing tilapia to sub-lethal methomyl concentrations of 0, 0.2, 2, 20 and 200 μg/L for 30 days, and then transferred to methomyl-free water for 18 days. Hepatic SOD and CAT were measured at 10 min (day 0), 6, 12, 18, 24 and 30 days after starting the experiment and at 18 days after transferring to methomyl-free water. The results showed hepatic SOD and CAT activities in 2, 20 and 200 μg/L groups were affected significantly, however, that in 0.2 μg/L group didn't change significantly compared to control during 30-day exposure period. Thus it would appear the 0.2 μg/L methomyl might be considered the no observed adverse effect level. Recovery data showed that, for SOD, the effects produced by lower concentration of methomyl 2 μg/L were reversible but not at concentrations higher than 20 μg/L, however, for CAT, the effects produced by all the concentrations were reversible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The pesticide 3-trifluoromethyl-4-nitrophenol (TFM) is used to control sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) populations in the Great Lakes through its application to nursery streams containing larval sea lampreys. TFM uncouples oxidative phosphorylation, impairing mitochondrial ATP production in sea lampreys and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). However, little else is known about its sub-lethal effects on non-target aquatic species. The present study tested the hypotheses that TFM exposure in hard water leads to (i) marked depletion of energy stores in metabolically active tissues (brain, muscle, kidney, liver) and (ii) disruption of active ion transport across the gill, adversely affecting electrolyte homeostasis in trout. Exposure of trout to 11.0mgl−1 TFM (12-h LC50) led to increases in muscle TFM and TFM-glucuronide concentrations, peaking at 9h and 12h, respectively. Muscle and brain glycogen was reduced by 50%, while kidney and muscle lactate increased with TFM exposure. Kidney ATP and phosphocreatine decreased by 50% and 70%, respectively. TFM exposure caused no changes in whole body ion (Na+, Cl−, Ca2+, K+) concentrations, gill Na+/K+ ATPase activity, or unidirectional Na+ movements across the gills. We conclude that TFM causes a mismatch between ATP supply and demand in trout, leading to increased reliance on glycolysis, but it does not have physiologically relevant effects on ion balance in hard water. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] Forty currently used pesticides were analyzed in fish by QuEChERS coupled with LC-MS/MS. [•] Up to 23 pesticides were found along the Júcar River in fish and water samples. [•] Eight pesticides, some of them forbidden in the EU, were in water. [•] Most pesticides detected related to crop and livestock treatments in the floodplains. [•] Different degrees of bio-concentration in fish, depending on the species and compound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Fish exposed to insecticides combination showed a differential physiologic profile. [•] Insecticides in combination provoked lipid oxidative damage in several tissues. [•] The multi-biomarker approach was useful to assess the toxicity of pesticides in fish. [•] The set of selected biomarkers was able to separate treatments. [•] Pesticides in combination produced deleterious effects on fish health. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in streamwater can sometimes exceed the guidelines values reported for biota and human protection in watersheds with intensive agriculture. Oxidative stress and cytotoxicity are some of the markers of exposure to POPs in fish. Accumulation of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) as well as lipid peroxidation (LPO) was assessed in wild silverside (Odontesthes bonariensis) from maturation and pre-spawning stages sampled in a typical soybean growing area. Pollutants were quantified by gas chromatography with electron capture detection and LPO by the method of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances. Concentrations of POPs were in the following order: OCPs>PCBs>PBDEs in all organs and stages. Liver, gills and gonads had the highest OCP concentrations in both sexes and stages with a predominance of endosulfan in all samples. Matured individuals, sampled after endosulfan application period, showed higher endosulfan concentrations than pre-spawning individuals. The predominance of endosulfan sulfate could be due to direct uptake from diet and water column, as well as to the metabolism of the parent compounds in fish. The prevalence of p,p′-DDE in liver would also reflect both the direct uptake and the metabolic transformation of p,p′-DDT to p,p′-DDE by fish. The highest levels of PBDEs and PCBs were found in gills and brain of both stages of growth. The pattern BDE-47>BDE-100 in all samples corresponds to pentaBDE exposure. In the case of PCBs, penta (#101 and 110) and hexa-CB congeners (#153 and 138) dominated in the maturation stages and tri (#18) and tetra-CB (#44 and 52) in pre-spawning stages, suggesting biotransformation or preferential accumulation of heavier congeners during gonadal development. Differences in LPO levels in ovaries were associated with growth dilution and reproductive stage. Differences in LPO levels in gills were related with pesticide application periods. As a whole, endosulfan, a current-use pesticide, constituted the main pollutant found in wild silverside reflecting the intense agriculture activity in the study area. Moreover endosulfan was positively correlated with LPO. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]