Which Is More Toxic? Evaluation of the Short-Term Toxic Effects of Chlorpyrifos and Cypermethrin on Selected Biomarkers in Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio, Linnaeus 1758)

Abstract

The general aim of this study was to investigate the negative short-term effects of different concentrations of chlorpyrifos (CPF) and cypermethrin (CYP), based on the EU legislation (MAC-EQS) in common carp (Cyprinus carpio Linnaeus, 1758) under laboratory conditions and to compare their toxicity. The fish were exposed to the pesticides for 96 h and then different histological and biochemical biomarkers were investigated in the gills and liver, and bioaccumulation analyses were conducted. The chemical studies showed increased pesticide concentrations in the gills as the first site for pollutants compared to the liver at the 96th hour. In addition, the histological analyses showed severe alterations in the gills and liver after exposure to both tested pesticides. In the gills, we found mainly intense proliferative and, to a lesser extent, degenerative changes and alterations in the circulatory system, such as necrosis and vasodilation. In the liver, regressive and progressive lesions, as well as circulatory disturbances and inflammation, were observed. The regressive lesions showed a higher degree of expression compared to the other changes. Furthermore, we found altered enzymatic activities—catalase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione peroxidase—in the liver, compared to the control. Overall, both tested pesticides impacted the studied biomarkers in common carp, even at concentrations lower than those permitted by law. However, the results of the comparative analysis showed a relatively higher toxicity of CYP compared to CPF in the fish. Still, questions persist as to whether the observed changes are adaptive or entirely destructive. To avoid any danger or risk, these pesticides must be applied cautiously, especially near water bodies.

Assessment of Fish Quality Based on the Content of Heavy Metals

“…The organic pollutants, next to heavy metals, can be harmful to the aquatic ecosystem and humans by the consumption of fish. For example, Georgieva et al [ 14 ] studied the short-term effects of different concentrations of two pesticides (chlorpyrifos (CPF) and cypermethrin (CYP)) in common carp ( Cyprinus carpio Linnaeus, 1758) under laboratory conditions. The authors, based on the results obtained in the experiment, concluded that, to avoid any risk, these pesticides should be used with caution, especially near water reservoirs.…”

Chronological Trends and Mercury Bioaccumulation in an Aquatic Semiarid Ecosystem under a Global Climate Change Scenario in the Northeastern Coast of Brazil

“…The assessment of the biological significance of Hg concentrations in sediments to fish and wildlife showed that fish muscle appears to act mostly as a reservoir, accumulating the Hg in order to protect other organs [ 104 ]. As liver is the most common tissue for monitoring environmental contaminant exposure in fish [ 105 , 106 ], researchers have attempted to establish toxicity thresholds for contaminants based on a consideration of the lowest liver concentrations that are associated with significant toxic effects in individual animals. The threshold is 25–30 μg g −1 ww Hg in liver, above which animals are likely to experience MeHg intoxication and death [ 35 ].…”

Protective effect of total saponins of ginseng stems and leaves (GSLS) on chlorpyrifos-induced brain toxicity in mice through the PTEN/PI3K/AKT axis

“…Because of the potent capacity to resist insects as well as the extensive applications, OPs have been extensively used worldwide as pesticides against pests and diseases including dichlorvos and chlorpyrifos [ 12 ]. Chlorpyrifos (CPF) is considered to be one of the extremely dangerous ones [ 13 ]. Chlorpyrifos (CPF) is widely applied in agriculture, especially in rice fields [ 14 ].…”