Exposure to low environmental copper concentrations does not affect survival and development in Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) early life stages

• Published in: Toxicology Reports
• Main Authors: Julia Farkas, Linn H. Svendheim, Tjalling Jager, Tomasz M. Ciesielski, Trond Nordtug, Bjarne Kvæstad, Bjørn H. Hansen, Torstein Kristensen, Dag Altin, Pål A. Olsvik
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier 2021
• Subjects: Copper; Marine environment; Low concentrations; Fish early life stages; DEB; Atlantic cod; Toxicology. Poisons; RA1190-1270; atlantic cod; Gadus morhua
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxrep.2021.11.012; https://doaj.org/article/234c293eb1a84ca2b38f0dbfb938dd3b

In this study we investigated potential impacts of Cu exposure at low, environmentally relevant, concentrations on early live stages of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua). Cod embryos and larvae were exposed to 0.5 μg/L (low), 2 μg/L (medium), and 6 μg/L (high) Cu from 4 to 17 days post fertilisation (dpf). Hatching success, mortality, oxygen consumption, biometric traits, and malformations were determined. A dynamic energy budget (DEB) model was applied to identify potential impacts on bioenergetics. A positive correlation was found between Cu exposure concentrations and Cu body burden in eggs, but not in larvae. The tested concentrations did not increase mortality in neither embryos nor larvae, or larvae deformations. Further, the DEB model did not indicate effects of the tested Cu concentrations.