Aroclor 1254 impairs sperm quality, fertilization ability, and embryo development of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss).

The polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in aquatic environment adversely affect non-target organisms, including fish. Especially, the male reproduction and next generation can be damaged through high exposure to these pollutants. Hence, the sperm cells were exposed to sublethal concentrations of Aroclor 1254 (0, 1, 5, 10, or 25 mg/l) for 4 h. The sperm quality parameters were analyzed by SCA (Sperm Class Analyzer). The fertility, eyeing, and hatching rates were determined as gamete markers. Lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde-MDA), glutathione (GSH), and antioxidant enzymes [superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT)] were measured for determination of oxidative stress. Our results showed that Aroclor 1254 negatively affected the motility rate and duration, fertilization rate, embryogenesis, and hatching and also triggered antioxidant defense mechanisms at the highest concentration (25 mg L-1). Furthermore, linear speed (VSL), linearity index (LIN), and amplitude lateral head (ALH) were significantly changed after exposure to 25 mg L-1, and the lowest concentrations (1 and 10 mg L-1) did not significantly affect the motility and fertilizing capacity. The embryogenesis and hatching were significantly affected by sperm exposure to 1, 10, and 25 mg L-1 of Aroclor 1254. Consequently, Aroclor 1254 causes potential hazards in male germ cells, and the exposure of sperm cells to pollutants can adversely affect next generation of wild populations.

Ascorbic acid ameliorated the sperm quality of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) against arsenic toxicity: Impact on oxidative stress, fertility ability and embryo development.

Arsenic (As) is a heavy metal and aquatic pollutant and adversely impacts the reproduction of male fish. As a chain-breaking antioxidant, ascorbic acid (AA) has high water solubility and low toxicity. In this context, the current study was performed to assess the protective role of AA (1 mM) on the sperm cells of the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) exposed to sublethal concentrations of As (8, 16 and 32 mg/L). Sperm quality parameters were analyzed using a sperm class analyzer system. Lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme levels were used as indicators of oxidative stress. The fertilization, eyeing and hatching rates were determined as gamete markers. Reduced sperm quality parameters and fertility capacity resulted from in vitro exposure to As (P < 0.05). The oxidative stress in sperm cells increased after As exposure (P < 0.05). The presence of AA improved sperm movement parameters and fertility potential (P < 0.05). Overall, AA had a positive effect on oxidative stress and fertility ability against As toxicity and AA supplementation ameliorated detrimental effects of As in sperm cells.

Sperm quality and oxidative stress in chub Squalius orientalis and Padanian barbel Barbus plebejus (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) after in vitro exposure to low doses of bisphenol A.

In an aquatic environment, the presence of Bisphenol A (BPA) adversely affects reproduction, biology, behavior, gonads, and early larval development of fish due to being endocrine-disrupting compound. In addition, the detected concentration of BPA in water bodies is reported to be higher than 0.41 µg/L. As an alternative tool, sperm cells are used in toxicological assays for the reliable and practical assessment. For these reasons, we examined the effects of in vitro exposure of BPA on sperm quality of chub Squalius oriantalis and Padanian barbel Barbus plebejus. Spermatozoa were exposed to lower concentrations (0, 0.5, 1.25, 2.5, and 5 µg/L) of BPA for 2 h. The enzymatic activities [glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD)] and lipid peroxidation (MDA) were evaluated in spermatozoa. The results demonstrated that BPA exposure significantly decreased activities of SOD and GSH-Px but increased CAT activity and lipid peroxidation (MDA). Compared to control, the percentage and duration of sperm motility significantly decreased. Overall, spermatozoa clearly showed the sensitivity to lower concentrations of BPA.

An Evaluation Research About Effects of Characterized Cadmium Selenide (CdSe) and Lead Selenide (PbSe) Quantum Dots on Brine Shrimp (Artemia salina).

Quantum dots (QDs), such as cadmium selenide (CdSe) and lead selenide (PbSe) exhibit excellent optical, magnetic and chemical properties due to their extremely size (ca. 1-10 nm) and are attractive semiconductor nanomaterials for optical studies and energy storage. In this study, aqueous synthesis of CdSe and PbSe QDs in a size range of 2-10 nm was described. Synthesized QDs were characterized using SEM and TEM, DLS, zeta potential, FTIR, EDX and XRD. Highest accumulation (72.5 ± 5.8 mg L-1) of PbSe QDs occurred at 10 ppm suspensions. In general accumulation increased up to 48 h exposure then fluctuate tended to decline. For CdSe QDs, accumulation tended to decrease for 72 h exposure except that for 5 ppm groups. For the elimination period, in general, the elimination levels of PbSe and CdSe QDs from exposed individuals decreased (p < 0.05) even it has some fluctuate.

Effects of Zn and ZnO Nanoparticles on Artemia salina and Daphnia magna Organisms: Toxicity, Accumulation and Elimination.

In the study, Zn in the size of 40-60 nm and 80-100 nm and ZnO in the size of 10-30 nm were applied to A. salina and D. magna individuals in 7 groups with 3 repetitions. Measurements were made at 24th, 48th and 72nd hours and elimination values were examined at +24 h. LC50 values of NPs were determined and chemical analysis (metal accumulation and elimination), ion quantities which were given to the environment and the survival rates of organisms were determined after the exposure. According to the results of phase contrast microscopy, it was found that both experimental organisms absorbed the NPs in the medium level. In the toxicity results of D. magna, it can be said that Zn NP (40-60 nm) has a highly toxic effect only at 50 ppm concentration for 48 h and lethal dose can be accepted as of 5 ppm at the end of 72 h. In A. salina individuals, it is clearly seen that there is an increase in mortality in organisms parallel to the dose increase. Although all NPs were applied to organisms in low doses corresponding to environmental values, it was observed that toxic effect was in parallel with the increase in time. It is clearly known that there is the inverse proportion between the size of NPs and the toxic effect. The smaller the size of NPs is, the higher the toxic effect becomes When the results of Zn accumulation and elimination of A. salina and D. magna individuals exposed to the Zn and ZnO NPs were examined; it was found that accumulation and elimination occurred in parallel with the increase in concentration at each application hour and elimination. Intensive and possible misuse of nanoscale materials is one of the biggest threats to the environment and all living things worldwide.

Assessment of impact of α-Fe2 O3 and γ-Fe2 O3 nanoparticles on phytoplankton species Selenastrum capricornutum and Nannochloropsis oculata.

In this study, the impact of alpha-iron oxide (α-Fe2 O3 , 20-40 nm) and gamma iron oxide (γ-Fe2 O3 , 20-40 nm) nanoparticles (NPs) on phytoplankton species Selenastrum capricornutum and Nannochloropsis oculata was investigated Characterizations of the NPs were systematically carried out by TEM, dynamic light scattering, zeta potential, X-ray diffraction, SEM, and Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy. Acute toxicity was tested between 0.2 and 50 mg/L for each NP for a period of 72 hours exposure. γ-Fe2 O3 NP inhibited development of N oculata at the rate of 54% in 0.2 mg/L group with a high mortality rate of up to 82%. α-Fe2 O3 NPs were less toxic that induced 97% mortality on N oculata at 10 mg/L suspensions. In contrast, α-Fe2 O3 NP inhibited growth of S capricornutum strongly (73%) in 0.2 mg/L group. γ-Fe2 O3 NPs showed similar growth inhibition (72%) on S capricornutum in 10 mg/L suspensions. Despite the differential effects, the results indicated acute toxicity of α-Fe2 O3 and γ-Fe2 O3 NPs on N oculata and S capricornutum.

Assessment of Oxidative Stress on Artemia salina and Daphnia magna After Exposure to Zn and ZnO Nanoparticles.

In this study, the effect of zinc nanoparticles (Zn NPs) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) on Artemia salina and Daphnia magna, the primary consumer organisms were investigated. In this sense, investigation of trophic transfer and ecological sustainability potentials among living things, such as fish and crustaceans that are at the top of the food chain were also aimed. Zn NPs in the size of 40-60 nm and 80-100 nm and ZnO NPs (10-30 nm) were administered to A. salina and D. manga (respectively in total 105000 and 14000 individuals) in seven groups (Control, 0.2, 1, 5, 10, 25 ve 50 ppm) with three repetitions for a period of 72 h. Intensive and possible misuse of nanoscale materials is one of the biggest threats to the environment and all living things worldwide. Therefore, the control mechanisms for the use of NPs need to be established.

Improvement of sperm motility of Oncorhynchus mykiss and Salvelinus fontinalis by L-tryptophan.

Experiments were designed to test the influence of L-tryptophan supplementation of the extender on the sperm motility parameters and bacterial flora of brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). The extender containing 0.3 M glucose in 10% Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) was supplemented with 0, 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 mM L-tryptophan. Sperm samples stored for up to 12 days at 4°C for brook trout were motile while motility was not observed after six days of storage for rainbow trout. Diluted sperm samples were spread-plated onto Plate Count Agar (PCA) (Total Bacteria Count), Rose Bengal Agar (RBC) (Yeast-Mold Count), Violet Red Bile Dextrose (VRBD) (Enterobacteriaceae count) and Mannitol Salt Agar (MSA) (Micrococcus/Staphylococcus count) and counts were performed in duplicate and sampling occurred on day 0, 2, 4, 6, and 12 of cold storage. L-tryptophan supplementation of the extender yielded a positive effect, significantly prolonging sperm motility in S. fontinalis and O. mykiss compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The ideal results were obtained above a concentration of 0.5 mM for both species. Total bacteria count in fresh sperm (undiluted samples) was not detectable and not detected in sperm samples treated with different L-tryptophan concentrations. Yeast-mold, Enterobacteriaceae and Micrococcus/Staphylococcus were not detected from fresh and treated sperm brook trout and rainbow trout. On the basis of the results, L-tryptophan-based extender is useful for maintaining sperm quality in short-term storage. L-tryptophan had a negative effect on the bacterial flora. The results of the current study encourages further studies related to long-term storage and reproduction management. Abbreviations: DMSO: dimethyl sulfoxide; PCA: plate count agar; RBC: rose Bengal agar; VRBD: violet red bile dextrose; MSA: mannitol salt agar; SCA: sperm class analyzer; CFU: colony-forming unit.

The effects of common yarrow (Achillea millefolium Linnaeus), cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume) and rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis Linnaeus) hydrosols on the some immunological and hematological parameters of common carp (Cyprinus carpio L., 1758).

In this study, the effects of some plant hydrosols (distilled plant waters) based upon some hematological parameters and Nitroblue Tetrazolium (NBT) activities in the common carp (Cyprinus carpio Linnaeus, 1758) infected with Yersinia ruckeri were investigated. In the trial, it was utilized totally 200 common carps with 54.3±6.7 g mean live weight and 15.7±1.8 cm mean total lenght. The 10% rate of the common yarrow (Achillea millefolium Linnaeus) hydrosol; 0.5% rate of the cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume) hydrosol; and 5% rate of the rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis Linnaeus) hydrosol were applied to fish as a bath treatment. The erythrocyte (RBC), leukocyte count (WBC), hematocrit value (HCT), haemoglobin amount (Hg), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and activities of NBT in the blood samples taken from the caudal vena of the control and experimental fish groups were analyzed in the 7th, 14th, and 21st days of the exposure treatment. At the end of the research, HCT, Hg, RBC, WBC, MCH and MCV values decreased in the C-2 Group (the control group contain pathogen) compared to the C-1 Group (the control group no contain pathogen), except MCHC value. The NBT activities in the C-1 Groups increased at the 14th day, but decreased quite a few at the 21st day. It has been consequently reached the conclusion that the bath treatments of the some plant hydrosols might be beneficial in increasing of antibacterial properties and in strengthening of defense mechanisms of common carp against Y. ruckeri pathogen.

Biochemical response of crayfish Astacus leptodactylus exposed to textile wastewater treated by indigenous white rot fungus Coriolus versicolor.

The discharge of textile effluents into the environment without appropriate treatment poses a serious threat for the aquatic organisms. The present study was undertaken to investigate biochemical response of crayfish Astacus leptodactylus exposed to textile wastewater (TW) treated by indigenous white rot fungus Coriolus versicolor. Glutathione S-transferase (GST), cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1), and acetylcholinesterase (AchE) levels in hepatopancreas and abdomen tissues of crayfish exposed to untreated, treated, and diluted rates (1/10) in both TW during 24 and 96 h were tested. Physiochemical parameters (electrical conductivity (EC), chemical oxygen demand (COD), pH, and total dissolved solid (TDS)) of TW were determined before and after treatment. Physiochemical parameters of TW decreased after treatment. The GST activity and AchE were generally increased, but CYP1A1 activity was decreased in hepatopancreas tissue of crayfish exposed to different kinds of untreated TW. After treatment by indigenous white rot fungus (C. versicolor), GST and CYP1A1 activities were returned to control values, while AchE activities were increasing further. In this study, only GST and CYP1A1 activities of A. leptodactylus confirmed the efficiency of TW treatment with C. versicolor.

Temporal Changes in Concentrations of Some Trace Elements in Muscle Tissue of Crayfish, Astacus leptodactylus (Eschscholtz, 1823), from Keban Dam Lake.

Crayfish (Astacus leptodactylus Eschscholtz, 1823) is the native crayfish species in Turkey. It was exported regularly to Western Europe. In this study, bioaccumulation and temporal trends of some trace elements (arsenic: As, cadmium: Cd, copper: Cu, mercury: Hg, lead: Pb, and zinc: Zn) in edible abdomen muscle of crayfish from Keban Dam Lake (Elazig, Turkey) were investigated for the 2006-2012 period. Sequence of metal concentration levels was Zn > Cu > Hg > Pb > Cd > As in muscle tissues. The highest concentration of Zn (21.69 mg kg(-1)) was detected in 2006, while the lowest (4.35 mg kg(-1)) in 2009. In general, it was found that the concentrations of trace elements investigated were lower than the maximum permissible limits of the food regulations of the Ministry of Food, Agriculture, and Livestock (MFAL), the Turkish Food Codex and Commission Regulation (EC). If the crayfish selected for the study are recognized as bioindicators of environmental pollution, then it is possible to conclude that the changes in studied trace elements concentrations in the Keban Dam Lake are being steady.

Determination of bioaccumulation of heavy metals and selenium in tissues of brown trout Salmo trutta macrostigma (Duméril, 1858) from Munzur Stream, Tunceli, Turkey.

The objective of the present work was to determine the bioaccumulation of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), uranium (U) and selenium (Se) in gill, liver, and muscle tissues of the fresh water fish Salmo trutta macrostigma (Duméril, 1858) in Munzur Stream, Tunceli, Turkey. The highest concentrations of U (1.83 µg kg(-1)), Pb (119.84 µg kg(-1)) and Se (1.31 µg kg(-1)) were recorded in the gills of S. t. macrostigma. Concentrations of As (46.27 µg kg(-1)), Cd (109.19 µg kg(-1)), Hg (16.40 µg kg(-1)), Cu (18.19 µg kg(-1)) were recorded at highest levels in the liver. The results showed that there were significant differences in concentrations of As, Cd, Cu, Pb, Se, U and Hg in gill, liver and muscle tissue (p < 0.05). Heavy metals were within the edible parts of the investigated fish were in the permissible safety levels for human uses.