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Comparison of the acute and chronic effects of copper sulfate and copper nanoparticles on some antioxidant enzymes of Gammarus pseudosyriacus.
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Fereydoun Shokrollahi   , Mehrdad Fattollahi * , Rouhollah Rahimi* , Fardin Shaloui |
| Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Natural Resources and Earth Sciences, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran , mehrdad.fatollahi@nres.sku.ac.ir |
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Abstract: (39 Views) |
Introduction: Copper is a vital trace element in aquatic ecosystems, but in high concentrations or certain forms it can become toxic. With the increasing use of nanoparticles, concerns about their impact on aquatic life have grown. This study focused on how copper, in two different chemical forms copper sulfate and copper oxide nanoparticles affects a native amphipod species, Gammarus pseudosyriacus. We aimed to compare their toxic effects and how they trigger changes in important biological enzymes related to stress.
Materials and Methods: First, we determined the acute toxicity level (LC₅₀ over 96 hours) for both copper sulfate and copper oxide nanoparticles. After that, we exposed Gammarus individuals to lower, sub-lethal concentrations (10% and 20% of LC₅₀) for longer periods 8 and 15 days to observe the effects of chronic exposure. To understand how their bodies reacted, we measured three enzymes: catalase (which helps break down harmful molecules), glutathione peroxidase (GPx, which fights oxidative stress), and malondialdehyde (MDA, a marker of cell damage due to lipid peroxidation).
Results: The results were clear: copper sulfate was much more toxic in the short term, with a lethal concentration almost 10 times lower than that of the copper nanoparticles. In other words, even small amounts of copper sulfate led to higher mortality. Enzyme analysis showed that copper sulfate caused stronger oxidative stress, especially visible in the GPx levels. On the other hand, although copper nanoparticles seemed safer in the short term, they still caused measurable damage over time particularly an increase in MDA levels, which hints at cellular damage building up gradually.
Conclusion: While copper sulfate has a more immediate and severe impact, long-term exposure to copper oxide nanoparticles isn’t harmless. The data suggest that switching from copper sulfate to nanoparticles could reduce short-term deaths among aquatic organisms like G. pseudosyriacus, but it doesn't eliminate ecological risks altogether. Monitoring stress-related enzymes like GPx and MDA can help us detect early signs of harm before population-level effects become visible. |
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| Keywords: copper sulfate, copper nanoparticles, antioxidant enzymes, Gammarus pseudosyriacus |
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Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2023/07/26 | Accepted: 2024/03/24 | Published: 2025/09/23
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