Chlorpyrifos Induced Changes on the Physiology of Common Carp (Cyprinus Carpio Linnaeus, 1785): A Laboratory Exposure Study

Abstract

The present study was designed to study the effects of the pesticide chlorpyrifos (CPF) on the physiology of the economically important fish species common carp (Cyprinus carpio Linnaeus, 1785) by applying a biomarker approach. This pesticide is considered as a priority substance in surface waters according to Directive 2013/39/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council. The fish were treated with decreasing concentrations of CPF for 72 hours (acute exposure) and the histological structure of gills and respiration rate were examined. In sum, we found pronounced alterations in the gill structure and changes in the respiration rate index, regardless of the applied pesticide concentrations which indicates its negative effects on non-target aquatic species such as common carp. The results from such studies could be incorporated in the legislation to prevent water contamination in areas with intensive agricultural practices by applying biomarkers, and an update could also be initiated on the maximum permissible concentrations of CPF in surface waters.

Multi-Biomarker Assessment in Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio, Linnaeus 1758) Liver after Acute Chlorpyrifos Exposure

“…After this adaptation period, the fish were divided into four tested groups (n = 15), including a control group (chlorine free tap water) and were treated in static conditions for 72 h with nominal and environmentally relevant concentrations of CPF [40]. The experimental set up was performed in triplicate.…”

“…The tested decreasing CPF concentrations were based on EU legislation and made up as 50 and 30% of the allowable annual average concentrations (AA-EQS) in surface waters (0.03 µg/L) [40,43]. Thus, the applied insecticide concentrations were 0.03 µg/L, 0.015 µg/L and 0.009 µg/L.…”

“…The basic physico-chemical properties, such as conductivity, dissolved oxygen, pH and temperature, were kept relatively constant during the exposure period (Table 1) (see [40]). The control results did not differ significantly (ANOVA, p > 0.05), compared to the tested aquaria.…”

“…Based on the excessive use of pesticides and their negative impact on the aquatic environment (e.g., [40]), the main aim of the present study is to determine the effects of environmentally relevant and decreasing CPF concentrations on common carp, which is one of the most common freshwater species in aquaculture and an important test organism in toxicology. Therefore, for this purpose, we applied a multi-biomarker approach to assess the negative effects of CPF.…”

“…Basic water properties measured in three chlorpyrifos (CPF) test tanks and control, according to Yancheva et al[40].…”