Assessment of eco-toxic effects of commonly used water disinfectant on zebrafish (Danio rerio) swimming behaviour and recovery responses: an early-warning biomarker approach

Abstract

Eco-toxicity profiles for commonly used disinfectants were lacking. Available traditional toxicity techniques have some limitations (assessments and ethical issues). Behaviour toxicology is a promising research area towards early warning and non-invasive approaches. We studied the potential eco-toxic effects of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) on the swimming behaviour of zebrafish. Zebrafish were exposed to different concentrations (Treatment I, Treatment II, Treatment III, and Treatment IV) of NaOCl for 360 h. Recovery study (144 h) was conducted for NaOCl treatment groups. The swimming behaviour of zebrafish was quantified efficiently using an online monitoring system (OMS). OMS dataset was processed for determination of behavioural differences by MATLAB and SPSS. Compared to the control group, the swimming strength of zebrafish under NaOCl treatments declined significantly ( p < 0.001). Avoidance behaviour has occurred on zebrafish under NaOCl exposure periods. Furthermore, NaOCl toxicity also adjusted circadian rhythms on zebrafish. Zebrafish swimming strength was significantly ( p < 0.001) improved under-recovery periods. Moreover, normal diurnal patterns have occurred. NaOCl could cause behavioural abnormalities in non-target organisms. Continuous exposure to common disinfectants could cause external and internal stress on non-target organisms, resulting in behavioural changes and circadian rhythm adjustments. Continuous changes in behavioural and circadian rhythms might reduce organisms’ fitness and adaptation capacity. This study highlights (1) the importance of computer-based toxicity assessments, and (2) swimming behaviour is an early warning biomarker for eco-toxicity studies. Graphic Abstract Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11356-021-18333-1.

Toxicity of particles and chemicals released from surgical face masks to the model aquatic organism Daphnia magna

“…The behavioural effects of contaminants to aquatic invertebrates depend on the level or duration of exposure and may include no effect, stimulation, acclimation or adaptation, toxic effect, and sometimes readjustment. 61,62 The changes in behaviour upon contamination may also be influenced by changes in the physical and developmental needs of the organisms, e.g. , need for food, search for protection, or preparation for reproduction.…”

“…The behavioural effects of contaminants to aquatic invertebrates depend on the level or duration of exposure and may include no effect, stimulation, acclimation or adaptation, toxic effect, and sometimes readjustment. 61,62 The changes in behaviour upon contamination may also be influenced by changes in the physical and developmental needs of the organisms, e.g., need for food, search for protection, or preparation for reproduction. 61 While acute exposure to the particles alone temporarily induces stress, [51][52][53][54] it can be speculated that as the organisms become aware of the presence of the particles either through accumulation in their digestive tracts or hindrance to their movements, they may attempt to swim away from the contaminated environment, particularly after prolonged exposure as in the case of the chronic tests, hence leading to Environmental Science: Nano Paper increased heart rate and swimming speed.…”

“…61,62 The changes in behaviour upon contamination may also be influenced by changes in the physical and developmental needs of the organisms, e.g., need for food, search for protection, or preparation for reproduction. 61 While acute exposure to the particles alone temporarily induces stress, [51][52][53][54] it can be speculated that as the organisms become aware of the presence of the particles either through accumulation in their digestive tracts or hindrance to their movements, they may attempt to swim away from the contaminated environment, particularly after prolonged exposure as in the case of the chronic tests, hence leading to Environmental Science: Nano Paper increased heart rate and swimming speed. 63 Assessment of the behavioural effects of chronic microplastic exposure to Daphnia magna is still scarce; however, increased swimming activity has also been reported upon chronic exposure of zebrafish to polystyrene microplastics.…”

Danio rerio: A Sustainable Model for Monitoring Pollutants in Aquatic Environments

“…Zebrafish embryo test Crude oil component [25] Danio rerio long-term exposure Metformin [26] Zebrafish antagonistic test Deltamethrin [27] Adult zebrafish behavioral test Cannabinoids [28] Early life stage zebrafish assay Sediment [29] Acute-Chronic test Lead [30] Early life stage zebrafish assay Sodium Hypochloride [31] Combined toxicity test Agrochemicals [32] Adult zebrafish behavioral test Triclosan [33]…”

Environmental Impacts of COVID-19 Pharmaceuticals and Disinfectants.

“…Another recent study of Won et al [40] found that exposure to disinfectants such as chloroxylenol (PCMX) and benzalkonium chloride changed the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and catalase and increased reactive oxygen species even at low concentrations in a rotifer Brachionus koreanus. Ren et al [41] found ecotoxic effects of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) on the swimming strength, avoidance behavior, and other anomalies in zebrafish exposed to NaOCl a common disinfectant.…”