Integrated biological responses of zebrafish (Danio rerio) to analyze water quality in regions under anthropogenic influence

• Published in: Chemosphere (Oxford) 2011-03, Vol.82 (11), p.1563-1570
• Main Authors: Amado, L.L., Rosa, C.E., Castro, M.R., Votto, A.P., Santos, L. Cougo, Marins, L.F.F., Trindade, G.S., Fraga, D.S., Damé, R.C.F., Barros, D.M., Geracitano, L.A., Bianchini, A., de la Torre, F.R., Monserrat, J.M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animal, plant and microbial ecology; Animals; Antioxidant responses; Antioxidants; Applied ecology; Biochemistry; Biological; Biological and medical sciences; Biomarkers - metabolism; Brazil; Ecotoxicology; Ecotoxicology, biological effects of pollution; Environmental Monitoring - methods; Fresh Water - chemistry; Freshwater; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; General aspects; Gills - drug effects; Gills - metabolism; Glutamate-Cysteine Ligase - metabolism; Glutathione - metabolism; Hepatocytes - drug effects; Hepatocytes - metabolism; Human; Human influences; IP (Internet Protocol); Long-term memory; Organizations; Reactive oxygen species; Reactive Oxygen Species - metabolism; Total antioxidant capacity; Water Pollutants, Chemical - analysis; Water Pollutants, Chemical - toxicity; Water quality; Water Supply - analysis; Zebrafish; Zebrafish - metabolism; Zebrafish - physiology
• ISSN: 0045-6535; 1879-1298
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2010.11.060

► Biological responses were measured in zebrafish after exposure to. ► Water coming from impacted locals. ► Several antioxidant parameters were affected in gills from zebrafish. ► Long-term memory was impaired by all water samples. ► A combination of variables at different organization levels allowed. ► Water quality analysis. This study analyzed water quality in regions around Patos lagoon (Southern Brazil) that are under anthropogenic pressure. Water samples were collected from five different sites, including one used as a source for human consumption (COR) and others known to be influenced by human activities (IP). Danio rerio (Teleostei, Cyprinidae) organisms were exposed for 24h to these water samples, plus a control group. It was observed that: (1) reactive oxygen species levels were lower in COR and IP than in the control group; (2) glutamate-cysteine ligase (catalytic subunit) expression was higher in COR than in other sites; (3) exposure to all water samples affected long-term memory (LTM) when compared to control group. Thus, some water samples possess the ability to modulate the antioxidant system and to induce a decline in cognitive functions, as measured by LTM. The obtained results indicate that a combination of variables of different organization level (molecular, biochemical and behavioral) can be employed to analyze water quality in impacted regions.