Calcium fluxes in juvenile tilapia, Oreochromis mossambicus, exposed to sublethal waterborne Cd, Cu or mixtures of these metals

Journal Article · Tue Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1997 · Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1897/1551-5028(1997)016<0770:CFIJTO>2.3.CO;2· OSTI ID:514523

Pelgrom, S M.G.J.; Lock, R A.C.; Balm, P H.M.; Bonga, S E.W. ^[1]

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1. Univ. of Nijmegen (Netherlands). Dept. of Animal Physiology

In juvenile tilapia the effects of waterborne Cu, Cd, and combinations of these metals on whole-body Ca fluxes were studied, using {sup 45}Ca as tracer. The maintenance of Ca homeostasis in fish is crucial throughout life but is especially important in young fish; Ca is also critical for growth. Single metal exposure had no effect on Ca fluxes after 6 d of exposure. In fish coexposed to 200 {micro}g Cu L{sup {minus}1} + 70 {micro}g Cd L{sup {minus}1} however, Ca influx was significantly decreased, whereas Ca efflux was not affected. As a result, the net flux was decreased. Because the effect on Ca fluxes observed in Cu/Cd-coexposed fish could not have been predicted from the effects of single metal exposures, this study underscores the impact of interactions between toxicants. Because natural freshwaters are commonly polluted by mixtures of metals, interactions between toxicants are important in risk assessment of heavy metals.

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• OSTI ID: 514523
• Journal Information: Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Journal Name: Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry Journal Issue: 4 Vol. 16; ISSN 0730-7268; ISSN ETOCDK
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
56 BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
APPLIED STUDIES
BIOLOGICAL INDICATORS
BIOLOGICAL MARKERS
BIOSYNTHESIS
CADMIUM
CALCIUM
COPPER
FISHES
WATER POLLUTION