2,4-Dinitrotoluene (2,4-DNT) exposure induces liver developmental damage and perturbs lipid metabolism and oxygen transport gene expression in zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Abstract

2,4-dinitrotoluene (2, 4-DNT) is a common environmental pollutant. The toxic effect on mammalian of 2,4-DNT has been well studied, but its toxicity on aquatic organisms is little known. In this study, zebra sh (Danio rerio) were exposed to 0, 2, 4, 8, 12 and 16 mg/L 2,4-DNT to rst determine 96 h semilethal concentrations (LC 50 ), and then exposed to 0, 2, 4 and 8 mg/L for 5 d, determine liver toxicity of 2,4-DNT. Exposed zebra sh developed hypoxia features, such as oating head and breathing rapidly, and then died. 96h LC 50 of 2,4-DNT in zebra sh was 9.36 mg/L. Histological data revealed that 2,4-DNT severely damaged the liver tissues, following with the round nucleus, dense interstitial tissue, dense arranged hepatocyte cords and more in ammatory cells. Additionally, the results of qPCR result indicated that the lower levels of lipid transport and metabolism (apoα2, mtp, ppar-α and acox) were noticed. But, exposed to 2,4-DNT for 5 d signi cantly upregulated the expression levels of genes involved in respiration (hif1a, tfa and ho1.). These results indicated that 2,4-DNT exposure disturbed lipid transport and metabolism and oxygen supply in zebra sh, which could contribute to severe damage in liver and death.

Degradation of 2,4-dinitrotoluene in aqueous solution by dielectric barrier discharge plasma combined with Fe–RGO–BiVO4 nanocomposite

“…Increased industrial and military activities using nitro-aromatic explosives have led to a renewed focus on environmental effect of nitrated toluene compounds on surface water, groundwater, and soil 1 , 2 . DNTs mainly used as precursors to produce textile dyes, paints, synthetic leather, herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, polyurethane foam, explosives 1 and car airbags 2 .…”

“…Increased industrial and military activities using nitro-aromatic explosives have led to a renewed focus on environmental effect of nitrated toluene compounds on surface water, groundwater, and soil 1 , 2 . DNTs mainly used as precursors to produce textile dyes, paints, synthetic leather, herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, polyurethane foam, explosives 1 and car airbags 2 . Due to abundance, toxicity, mutagenicity and carcinogenicity of nitro-aromatic compounds, the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) included dinitrotoluene isomers such as 2,4-DNT and 2,6-DNT in the list of priority pollutants for monitoring and control in aquatic environments 3 .…”