Publication
Title
Acute and chronic sensitivity to copper of a promising ecotoxicological model species, the annual killifish **Nothobranchius furzeri**
Author
Abstract
Nothobranchius furzeri is a promising model for ecotoxicological research due to the species short life cycle and the production of drought-resistant eggs. Although the species is an emerging vertebrate fish model for several fundamental as well as applied research domains, its potential for ecotoxicological research has not yet been tested. The aim of this study was to characterise the acute and chronic sensitivity of this species to copper as compared to other model organisms. Effects of both acute and chronic copper exposure were tested on survival, life history and physiological traits. We report a 24 h-LC50 of 53.93 µg Cu/L, which is situated within the sensitivity range of other model species such as Brook Trout, Fathead Minnow and Rainbow Trout. Moreover, in the full life cycle exposure, we show that an exposure concentration of 10.27 µg/L did not cause acute adverse effects (96 h), but did cause mortality after prolonged exposure (34 weeks). Also chronic, sublethal effects were observed, such as a reduction in growth rate, delayed maturation and postponed reproduction. Based on our results, we define the NOEC at 6.68 µg Cu/L, making N. furzeri more sensitive to copper as compared to Brook Trout and Fathead Minnow. We found stimulatory effects on peak fecundity at subinhibitory levels of copper concentrations (hormesis). Finally, we found indications for detoxifying and copper-excreting mechanisms, demonstrating the ability of the fish to cope with this essential metal, even when exposed to stressful amounts. The successful application of current ecotoxicological protocols on N. furzeri and its sensitivity range comparable to that of other model organisms forms the basis to exploit this species in further ecotoxicological practices.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Ecotoxicology and environmental safety. - New York
Publication
New York : 2017
ISSN
0147-6513
DOI
10.1016/J.ECOENV.2017.05.047
Volume/pages
144 (2017) , p. 26-35
ISI
000408520100004
Pubmed ID
28599128
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (open access)
Full text (publisher's version - intranet only)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Project info
Mixed metal and temperature stress in aquatic environments establishing functional links across different levels of organisation.
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 28.06.2017
Last edited 09.10.2023
To cite this reference