Metabolic Costs of Emerging Contaminants: Cellular Energy Allocation in Zebrafish Embryos

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2025

Authors

Diogo, BS (Author) Other; Rebelo, D (Author) Other; Antunes, SC (Author) FCUP; Rodrigues, S (Author) Other

Journal

The Journal is awaiting validation by the Administrative Services.

Title: JOURNAL OF XENOBIOTICS

Serial No. 209 Vol. 15 No. 6

Final page: 99

ISSN: 2039-4705

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 2 Citations

Scopus - 4 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-019-NCW

DOI: 10.3390/jox15040099

Abstract (EN): The use of cellular energy allocation (CEA) as a physiological energetic biomarker is useful for detecting the sublethal effects of environmental contaminants. The CEA assesses the health and energy status of organisms, serving as a reliable indicator for monitoring the health of aquatic ecosystems. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of emerging contaminants already listed as a priority for monitoring in freshwater ecosystems, namely sulfamethoxazole (0.156-2.50 mg/L), trimethoprim (25.0-400 mg/L), 4-chloroaniline (5.21-20.0 mg/L), and 3,4-dichloroaniline (0.38-4.00 mg/L), on the CEA of D. rerio embryos. A standard fish embryo toxicity test was conducted, and an adaptation of the allometric scaling approach was developed through the relationship between the size and the fresh weight of the embryos. All the compounds affected the fractions of the energy reserves (total carbohydrate, lipid, and protein contents) differently, with carbohydrates being the predominant energy fraction and the most responsive indicator. Although the energy consumed showed no significant changes, the CEA was notably altered after exposure to all the contaminants, indicating a direct connection to shifts in the available energy. The CEA alterations may indicate a reallocation of energy toward detoxification, combating the stress of contaminant exposure. Energy allocation biomarkers provide a comprehensive assessment of an organism's physiological state, which is essential for evaluating emerging contaminants' impacts, safeguarding aquatic ecosystems, and shaping effective environmental policies.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 15