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Antagonistic bioaccumulation of waterborne Cu(II) and Cd(II) in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) and effects on ion-homeostasis and defensive mechanisms

Journal Contribution - e-publication

In the aquatic environment, metals are present as mixtures, therefore studies on mixture toxicity are crucial to thoroughly understand their toxic effects on aquatic organisms. Common carp were used to assess the effects of short-term Cu and Cd mixtures, using a fixed concentration representing 25% of the 96h-LC50 (concentration lethal for 50% of the population) of one of the metals combined with a variable concentration of 10, 25 or 50% of the 96h-LC50 of the other metal, and vice versa. Our results showed a fast Cu and Cd accumulation, with the percentage increase in the order gill > liver > carcass. An inhibitory effect of Cu on Cd uptake was observed; higher Cu concentrations at fixed Cd levels resulted in a decreased accumulation of Cd. The presence of the two metals resulted in Na, K and Ca losses. The disturbance in the ion-homeostasis was sensed by the organisms, and they tried to compensate for the Na loss through the induction of the genes coding for Na+/K+-ATPase and H+-ATPase. In contrast to our expectation, a decreased gene expression of NHE was observed. Additionally, a counterintuitive induction of the CTR1 gene occurred, as a downregulation was expected to prevent further metal uptake. An induction of defensive mechanisms, both metal binding protein and anti-oxidant defences, was observed. Despite the metal accumulation and electrolyte loss, the low mortality suggest that common carp is able to cope with these metal levels, at least during a one-week exposure.
Journal: Aquatic toxicology
ISSN: 0166-445X
Volume: 226
Pages: 1 - 18
Publication year:2020
Keywords:A1 Journal article
BOF-keylabel:yes
BOF-publication weight:10
CSS-citation score:1
Authors from:Higher Education
Accessibility:Open