Physiological status and functional anatomy of zebra fish (Danio rerio) exposed to various levels of Ga³⁺

Abstract

Gallium (Ga) is one of the intermetallic elements that has been used in cancer treatment for a long time. However, Ga compounds are increasingly being used to make high-speed semiconductors and photoelectric devices. The current work investigated physiological and pathological changes in zebra fish ( Danio rerio) exposed to various Ga3+ levels (0.55, 1.5, and 3.85 mg/L) over a 14-day test period. Decreases in oxygen consumption were significant ( p < 0.05) for groups exposed to 3.85 Ga3+ mg/L; this was associated with the fusion of zebra fish gills lamellae. Serum biochemical changes (including aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase) were consistent with observations of damage to organelles within the hepatocytes at higher Ga3+ exposure levels (1.5 and 3.85 mg/L) in zebra fish. We propose <0.55 Ga3+ mg/L as a biologically safe concentration that can be used to establish water quality criteria for this teleost model.

Bioaccumulation of heavy metals, lipid profiles, and antioxidant status of snails (Achatina achatina) around cement factory vicinities

“…Richard et al (2016) showed in their study that cement factory workers in Calabar, Nigeria, and the residents of the factory vicinity presented with derangements in the activity of LDH, AST, and ALT because of long-term exposure to the dust from the factory. LDH is a cytosolic enzyme the activity of which when found to be increased in the blood is suggestive of a leakage from the cell due to damage (Chang et al, 2020). LDH activity may also be used as a measure of stress level in snails (Abdel-Halim et al, 2013).…”