Comparative Analysis of 2-Methylimidazole and 4-Methylimidazole Exposure Effects on Zebrafish Larvae Mortality Rate

Abstract

The study aimed to compare zebrafish embryo mortality rates under different 2-Methylimidazole (2-MI) and 4-Methylimidazole (4-MI) concentrations. Two exposure groups were created at a 40μM concentration using egg water. Thirty individuals were divided into two groups: Group 1 received an environmentally relevant dose of 2-MI, while Group 2 was exposed to 4-MI. Each group’s embryos (n=15 per plate) were observed from 4 to 96 hours post fertilization (hpf), adhering to OECD guidelines. Statistical analysis using SPSS maintained a 95% confidence level, 0.01 ratio, 80% power, and 1:1 enrollment ratio. Results showed a marked increase in mortality rate (71.87±1.25) in ecologically exposed embryos compared to 2-MI (45.73±0.79), with a significant P-value of 0.000 (P<0.05). Additionally, zebrafish exposed to 4-MI displayed a 20% lower mortality rate than 2-MI, supported by a significance threshold of p = 0.000 (p<0.05). These findings highlight the detrimental impact of early exposure to 2-MI and 4-MI on zebrafish embryo mortality rates, signifying developmental and embryotoxic implications.