Measured Copper Toxicity to Cnesterodon decemmaculatus (Pisces: Poeciliidae) and Predicted by Biotic Ligand Model in Pilcomayo River Water: A Step for a Cross-Fish-Species Extrapolation.

MARÍA VICTORIA CASARES; LAURA I. DE CABO; RAFAEL S. SEOANE; OSCAR E. NATALE; MILAGROS CASTRO RÍOS; CRISTIANWEIGANDT; ALICIA F. DE IORIO

Journal of Toxicology

Hindawi Publishing Corporation

Lugar: Nueva York; Año: 2012 vol. 2012 p. 1 - 11

1687 8205

In order to determine copper toxicity (LC50) to Cnesterodon decemmaculatus in Pilcomayo River water and evaluate a cross-species extrapolation of Biotic Ligand Model, a 96-h acute copper toxicity test was performed. The dissolved copper concentrations tested were 0.055, 0.189, 0.389, 0.613, 0.732, 1.012 and 1.409 mg Cu L-1. The 96-h Cu LC50 measured was 0.655 mg L-1 (0.823-0.488). 96-h Cu LC50 predicted by BLM for P. promelas was 0.722 mg L-1. Analysis of the inter-seasonal variation of the main water quality parameters indicates that a higher protective effect of Ca, Mg Na, SO4 and Cl is expected during the dry season. The very high load of total suspended solids in this river might be a key factor in determining copper distribution between solid and solution phases. A cross-species extrapolation of Cu BLM is valid within the water quality parameters and experimental conditions of this toxicity test.