Copper in Cultured Shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei and Its Reduction in Hepatopancreas After Exposure to Sublethal Nitrite Levels

Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology - This research was to evaluate the load and mobility of Cu in juvenile Litopenaeus vannamei after exposure (48 h) to sublethal concentration...     

Histopathological Alterations in Gills of White Shrimp, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Litopenaeus vannamei</Emphasis> (Boone) After Acute Exposure to Cadmium and Zinc

White shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei, a globally important cultured prawn species, is an ideal animal for studying the impairment caused by the effects of heavy metals that are often detected in coastal areas. In this present study, we detected the acute toxicity of cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn) to L. vannamei. Medium lethal time (LT50) values of Cd and Zn on L. vannamei were estimated. Furthermore, we also demonstrated that acute exposure to high concentrations of Cd and Zn resulted in morphological alterations in gills of L. vannamei in this present study.     

Evaluation of the Bioaccumulation of Heavy Metals in White Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) Along the Persian Gulf Coast

The concentrations of heavy metals in Persian Gulf are low, but petrochemical and refinery activities have caused an increase in heavy metal wastes, especially in coastal regions. The present study was done to determine the bioaccumulation of heavy metals in the muscle of white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The experiment was conducted in four important coastal regions of the Persian Gulf: Bushehr, Deylam, Mahshahr, and Abadan. Amounts of seven heavy metals such as Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), Lead (Pb), Zinc (Zn), Nickel (Ni), Cadmium (Cd), and Cobalt (Co), were measured as µg/g heavy metal in dry weight in the muscle of white shrimp from the afore-mentioned regions during 2011. This study revealed information that the primary risk for human health and the marine life chain was lead in the muscles of white shrimp in Mahshahr, where intense petrochemical and refinery activities are conducted. Concentrations of other heavy metals were lower than world standards.     

Virulence factor genes and comparative pathogenicity study of tdh,trh and tlh positive Vibrio parahaemolyticus strains isolated from Whiteleg shrimp,Litopenaeus vannamei (Boone, 1931) in India

Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a gram-negative halophilic bacterium responsible for gastrointestinal infection in human and vibriosis in aquatic animals. The thermostable direct hemolysin (tdh), tdh-related hemolysin (trh) and thermolabile hemolysin (tlh) positive strains of V. parahaemolyticus were identified from brackishwater aquaculture farms of West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh, India. Moreover, the presence of other virulent genes like vcrD1, vopD, vp1680 under type three secretion system 1 (T3SS1) and vcrD2 vopD2, vopB2, vopC2 under type three secretion system 2 (T3SS2) were detected in tdh positive strain of V. parahaemolyticus. Furthermore, the study revealed that the tdh and trh positive isolates were resistant to β-lactam antibiotics and were able to lyse more than 95% of human Red Blood Cells (RBCs). In addition, both the isolates showed high cytotoxicity in Human Embryonic Kidney (HEK) cell line compared to tlh positive strain. Additionally, intraperitoneal and oral administration of tdh and trh positive strain of V. parahaemolyticus in Indian Major Carp, Labeo rohita caused 100% mortality at the level of 2.0 × 10⁸ CFU ml⁻¹ and 1.6 × 10⁸ CFU ml⁻¹, respectively. In contrast, only 10% mortality was observed in the case of tlh positive strain at the level of 2.5× 10⁸ CFU ml⁻¹. The histopathological changes like infiltration of blood cells and degenerated hepatic tissue in the liver of L. rohita were observed after the experimental challenge. The changes like degeneration of glomeruli, necrosis of renal tubules and Bowman's capsule were observed in the kidney section. Ragged, irregular shaped villi and necrosis of the villus were observed in the intestinal lumen. Overall, the study demonstrates that isolated V. parahaemolyticus is a potent aquatic microbial pathogen. Additionally, as V. parahaemolyticus is also a human pathogen and might pose a threat to the human population, proper management strategies are required to prevent the possible occurrence of disease.     

Induction of Morphological Deformities and Moulting Alterations in Litopenaeus vannamei (Boone) Juveniles Exposed to the Triazole-Derivative Fungicide Tilt

The concentrations and patterns of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), chlorinated pesticides, and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were studied in white whales (Delphinapterus leucas) and narwhals (Monodon monoceros) from Svalbard, Norway. In addition, their main food items were included in the study. In the whales, a broad range of pollutants was found in relatively high concentrations. PCBs and pesticides were approximately 3000 and 8000 ng/g lipid, respectively, for white whales and three times higher for narwhals. PBDEs 47 were approximately 70 ng/g lipid for white whales and 170 ng/g lipid for narwhals. Compared with other marine mammals from the same area, contaminant levels are among the highest levels ever measured. These high levels are likely in part because of a decreased capacity to metabolize contaminants. Metabolic indices indicated that most compounds accumulate to the same degree in white whales and narwhals, but for some toxaphenes and chlordanes, narwhals might have a decreased metabolism and consequently a higher accumulation. The three-times-higher contaminant levels in blubber of narwhals was further explained by substantially higher contaminant levels in their more benthic diet. The high levels and broad pattern of accumulating pollutants make white whales and narwhals excellent indicators for a wide range of contaminants in the Arctic.     

Effects of methamidophos on acetylcholinesterase activity, behavior, and feeding rate of the white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)

The toxicity of methamidophos on the shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei was evaluated using acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, behavior, and feeding rate as effect criteria. The biochemical characterization of the soluble cholunesterase (ChE) present in both muscle and eye tissues of L. vannamei was performed in a first phase of the study. In both tissues, almost full inhibition of enzyme activity by eserine sulfate was found, indicating that the measured activity is mainly from ChE and not from other esterases. The highest rate of substrate hydrolysis was found when acetylthiocholine was used as substrate. To evaluate the effects of methamidophos on L. vannamei AChE, behavior, and feeding rate, shrimps were exposed for 24h to several sublethal concentrations of methamidophos. Significant effects of the pesticide on behavior and AChE were found, with behavior being a more sensitive endpoint than AChE inhibition. Feeding rate was not a sensible endpoint under conditions tested.     

Effects of Copper, Cadmium, and Zinc on the Hatching Success of Brine Shrimp (Artemia franciscana)

Previous studies indicate that the hatching success of brine shrimp (Artemia franciscana) cysts is surprisingly sensitive to ambient metal concentrations. These studies estimated median effective concentrations (EC₅₀s) of 7, 5, and 28 μg l⁻¹ for Cd, Cu, and Zn, suggesting that the hatching end point for A. franciscana is the most sensitive tested to date for Cd and Zn in saline environments and comparable in sensitivity with the most sensitive tested to date for Cu. Furthermore, these data suggest that brine shrimp are at significant risk from Cu and Zn in Great Salt Lake (GSL), UT, where ambient concentrations as high as 10 and 14 μg l⁻¹, respectively, have been measured. Given that brine shrimp appear to be successfully reproducing in GSL, we hypothesized that these toxicity values were either biased low as a result of an artifact of the test method used or that site-specific water-quality conditions in the lake had decreased metal bioavailability such that brine shrimp could successfully reproduce. To test these hypotheses, we initiated a step-wise series of experiments. First we investigated the effects of pretreatment of brine shrimp cysts with antibiotics on brine shrimp sensitivity to metals because previous investigators as part of their test methods have used antibiotics. Next we considered the effect of ionic composition of the artificial test media on sensitivity. Finally, we evaluated the effects of the site-specific water quality of the GSL on metal bioavailability and toxicity. Results indicate that pretreatment of cysts with antibiotics had no effect on sensitivity. However, we were unable to repeat the previous values for Cd and Zn, obtaining EC₅₀s of 11,859 and 289 μg l⁻¹ for Cd and Zn, respectively. For Cu, however, we estimated an EC₅₀ of 12 μg l⁻¹, so we conducted further testing on the artificial media, adjusting the media composition to better reflect the Ca²⁺ and HCO ₃ ⁻ concentration of normal seawater. This increased the EC₅₀ to 28 μg l⁻¹. Finally we evaluated the toxicity of Cu in GSL water and obtained an EC₅₀ of 68 μg l⁻¹, suggesting that the increased dissolved organic carbon in GSL has a significant protective effect. Overall, the results of this study suggest that brine shrimp hatching success is not particularly sensitive to Cd and Zn, but it is sensitive to Cu. However, site-specific water-quality conditions ensure that brine shrimp cyst hatching success is not significantly affected by any of these metals at the normal background concentrations that occur in GSL (<15 μg l⁻¹).     

Effects of sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate on yield and characteristics of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)

Effects of sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) and sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) on yield and characteristics of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) were studied. Shrimp soaked in 2.5% NaCl containing both compounds at different levels of pH (5.5, 7, 8.5, 10 and 11.5) showed an increase in the weight gain and cooking yield and a reduced cooking loss as pH of solutions increased (p<0.05). Increases in pH and salt content in soaked shrimp muscle were obtained with increasing pH (p<0.05). Higher pH of soaking solution partially solubilized proteins in the muscle as well as carotenoproteins. pH of solutions above 8.5 led to the pronounced leaching of pigments, associated with the lowered redness of cooked shrimp. Shear force of raw and cooked shrimp continuously decreased as pH of solution increased (p<0.05). Solution containing 2.5% NaCl and 2.0% NaHCO3 (pH 8.5) was recommended for treatment of white shrimp as a promising alternative for phosphates to increase the yield and to lower cooking loss without any negative effect on sensory properties.     

Exposure to Sublethal Concentrations of Copper Changes Biochemistry Parameters in Silver Catfish,Rhamdia quelen,Quoy & Gaimard

The effects of Cu exposure on catalase (CAT) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, formation of thiobarbituric acid-reactive species (TBARS) and metabolic parameters were evaluated in silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen). The fish were exposed for 45 days to 0, 16 and 29 μg/L Cu. The fish that were exposed to Cu exhibited lower TBARS levels in the muscle and higher TBARS levels in the liver. They also showed lower CAT activity in the liver and lower AChE activity in the brain and muscle. Higher glucose and lactate and lower protein plasma levels were observed in the fish exposed to Cu. The changes in the hepatic metabolic parameters were Cu concentration dependent. In the muscle, lower glycogen and higher lactate levels were observed in the fish exposed to Cu. Alterations in the metabolic parameters showed a preference for the anaerobic pathway of energy production and liver protein catabolism to supply the energy demand.     

Acute Toxicity and Sublethal Effects of White Phosphorus in Mute Swans, Cygnus olor

Among the waterfowl affected by white phosphorus (P₄) at a military base in Alaska are tundra (Cygnus columbianus) and trumpeter (C. buccinator) swans. To estimate the toxicity of P₄ to swans and compare the toxic effects to those of mallards (Anas platyrhynchos), we dosed 30 juvenile mute swans (C. olor) with 0 to 5.28 mg P₄/kg body weight. The calculated LD₅₀ was 3.65 mg/kg (95% CI: 1.40 to 4.68 mg/kg). However, many of the swans still had P₄ in their gizzards after dying, as determined by “smoking gizzards” and characteristic odor, and a lower LD₅₀ might be calculated if all of the P₄ had passed into the small intestines. We attribute the retention of P₄ in swans to the possibility that P₄ pellets were mistaken for the similarly sized grit in their gizzards. Most swans took 1 to 4.5 days to die in contrast to the few hours normally required in mallards and death appeared to be related more to liver dysfunction than to hemolysis. White phosphorus affected several plasma constituents, most notably elevated aspartate aminotransferase, blood urea nitrogen, lactate dehydrogenase, and alanine aminotransferase. Received: 15 May 1998/Accepted: 7 October 1998     

Effects of Sublethal Copper Exposure on Copper Accumulation, Food Consumption, Growth, Energy Stores, and Nucleic Acid Content in Common Carp

Juvenile common carp were exposed for 28 days to three different sublethal copper concentrations (0.20 μM, 0.55 μM, and 0.80 μM). Food consumption was monitored on a daily basis during the exposure period, while growth, copper accumulation, energy stores, and nucleic acid contents were assessed weekly. Copper exposure to 0.80 μM affected both growth and feeding behavior in common carp. At 0.55 μM, growth was affected despite normal food consumption. Even at the lowest copper concentration (0.20 μM), metabolic demand for the fish increased, challenging the carp with an increased demand for food. Copper accumulation mainly occurred in the liver, reaching an equilibrium between uptake and excretion after 1 month of exposure. Substantial biochemical changes were observed at the two highest copper exposure concentrations, but the correlation between growth rate and RNA:DNA ratio was poor considering the substantial differences in growth rate. The use of the RNA:DNA ratio as a sensitive biomarker is questioned. Received: 27 November 1996/Accepted: 12 May 1997     

Effect of some organophosphorus pesticides on oxygen consumption of shrimp,Litopenaeus vannamei

Oxygen consumption was measured in adult specimens of Litopenaeus vannamei shrimps from a coastal lagoon of Sinaloa, Mexico, during exposure to sublethal concentrations of the organophosphorus pesticides, Diazinon, Folidol, and Gusathion. Each individual was used as a control of itself, to avoid differences between treatments being masked by individual variability. In all three treatments with pesticides, respiration rate, measured by a polarographic electrode, was significantly lower than in controls. This may, at least partly, explain the decrease in shrimp production observed in recent years in the coastal lagoons of Sinaloa.     

Copper/Metal Ratios in the Gills of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Provide Evidence of Copper Exposure Under Conditions of Mixed-Metal Exposure

Previous work has suggested that the ratio of copper residues to zinc in the gills of rainbow trout may indicate short-term exposure to increased levels of waterborne copper. However, the effect of exposure to a combination of increased copper and zinc concentrates in the water column was unknown. We exposed rainbow trout to 8 ± 2 g L^–1, 40 ± 2 g L^–1 and 90 ± 9 g L^–1 of waterborne copper and 21 ± 3 g L^–1, 129 ± 40 g L^–1, and 202 ± 40 g L^–1 of waterborne zinc in a 2-factor experiments and gill copper and zinc residues were examined. Other gill parameters analyzed included the concentrations of calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium, liver copper and zinc concentrations and plasma copper, calcium, sodium, and potassium are also reported here. Copper residues in the gill filaments were significantly higher in the highest level of copper exposure (high Cu, 4.06 g g^–1; low Cu 2.41 g g^–1; 0 Cu 2.01 g g^–1; P = 0.001), whereas no differences were seen in zinc concentrations at any treatment level. Gill sodium and plasma calcium concentrations were also decreased at the highest waterborne copper concentrations. Although copper–zinc ratios in the gills were significantly different between the highest and lowest copper treatments (P = 0.002, F = 6.59), copper–sodium and copper–magnesium ratios were more sensitive to waterborne copper exposure (P = 0.001, F = 17.91 and P = 0.002, F = 15.45, respectively). These copper–metal ratios may be better indicators of copper loading in the water column.