The genotoxic effects of mixture of aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, and chromium on the gill tissue of adult zebrafish (Danio rerio, Hamilton 1822)

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the genotoxic effects of mixtures of five metals on zebrafish at two different concentrations; at the permissible maximum contamination levels in drinking water and irrigation waters. The drinking water limits are as follows: 300 µg/L for Aluminum (Al⁺³), 10 µg/L for Arsenic (As⁺³), 5 µg/L for Cadmium (Cd⁺²), 10 µg/L for Cobalt (Co⁺²), and 50 µg/L for Chromium (Cr⁺²). The irrigation water limits: 5000 µg/L for Al⁺³, 100 µg/L for As⁺³, 10 µg/L for Cd⁺², 50 µg/L for Co⁺², and 100 µg/L for Cr⁺². The zebrafish underwent chronic exposure for periods of 5, 10, and 20 days. The gene expressions for mitochondrial superoxide dismutase (SOD2), stress-specific receptor protein NCCRP1, the heat shock proteins: Hsp9, Hsp14, Hsp60, Hsp70, DNA repair (XRCC1 and EXO1), and apoptosis (BOK and BAX) were evaluated. It was found that exposure to the low- and high-concentrations of the heavy metal mixtures caused cell stress, an increased expression of the antioxidant genes, and repair proteins. As the duration of exposure was increased, the cells progressed through the apoptotic pathway. This was more evident in the high-concentration exposure groups. The results demonstrated the necessity for a reevaluation of the maximum values of heavy metal and toxic element concentrations as prescribed by the Local Standing Rules of Water Pollution Control Regulation, as well as a reevaluation of the limitations of heavy metal mixture interactions with respect to ecological balance and environmental health.

Highlights

• The purpose of this study was to investigate the genotoxic effects of a mixture of Aluminum, Arsenic, Cadmium, Cobalt, Chromium on zebrafish, within drinking water, and irrigation water limits determining the concentration.

• The zebrafish were exposed to two different concentrations of each metal mixture for 5-, 10-, and 20-day periods. Following exposure, gene expressions of the zebrafish’s gill tissues were examined.

• As a result of the exposure to the metal mixtures, the following occurred: cell stress, increased antioxidant gene activity, and attempts to protect cell viability. However, the cells progressed through the apoptotic pathway after prolonged exposure.

• The results demonstrated the necessity for a reevaluation of the maximum limits of metal and toxic element concentrations as stated in the Standing Rules of Water Pollution Control Regulation.

Keywords:

• Genotoxicity
• metal mixture
• gene expression
• apoptosis
• DNA repair
• heat shock proteins

Acknowledgement

This work was supported by the Management Unit of Research Projects of Trakya University under Grant (project ID: TUBAP-2015–179), Edirne, Turkey.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.