Simulation of a Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS) spill in the marine environment: Lethal and sublethal effects of acrylonitrile to the European seabass

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2013

Authors

Neuparth, T (Author) Other; Capela, R (Author) Other; Rey Salgueiro, L (Author) Other; Moreira, SM (Author) Other; Santos, MM (Author) FCUP; reis-henriques, ma (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Chemosphere

Vol. 93

Pages: 978-985

ISSN: 0045-6535

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 20 Citations

Scopus - 22 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-008-F9Z

DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2013.05.064

Abstract (EN): Despite the extensive maritime transportation of Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS), there is a current lack of knowledge on the effects posed by HNS spills on the marine biota. Among the HNS identified as priority, acrylonitrile was selected to conduct ecotoxicological assays. We assessed the acute and subletal effects of acrylonitrile in seabass, followed by a recovery phase to simulate the conditions of a spill incident. The work aimed at testing a broad range of biological responses induced by acrylonitrile. Sublethal exposure to the highest two doses increased the fish mortality rate (8.3% and 25% mortality in 0.75 and 2 mg L-1 acrylonitrile concentrations), whereas no mortality were observed in control and 0.15 mg L-1 treatments. Additionally, important alterations at sub-individual level were observed. Acrylonitrile significantly induced the activities of Catalase-CAT and Glutathione S-Transferase -GST; and the levels of DNA damage were significantly increased. Conversely, Superoxide Dismutase-SOD -activity was found to be significantly inhibited and no effects were found on Lipid Peroxidation-LPO and ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase -EROD -activity. Following a 7 d recovery period, the levels of CAT, GST and EROD fell to levels at or below those in the control. In the 2 mg L-1 group, SOD remained at the levels found during exposure phase. This study has gathered essential information on the acute and subletal toxicity of acrylonitrile to seabass. It also demonstrated that 7 d recovery allowed a return of most endpoints to background levels. These data will be useful to assist relevant bodies in preparedness and response to HNS spills.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 8