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Research article2016Peer reviewed

Home alone—The effects of isolation on uptake of a pharmaceutical contaminant in a social fish

Heynen, Martina; Backstrom, Tobias; Fick, Jerker; Jonsson, Micael; Klaminder, Jonatan; Brodin, Tomas

Abstract

A wide range of biologically active pharmaceutical residues is present in aquatic systems worldwide. As uptake potential and the risk of effects in aquatic wildlife are directly coupled, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between stress by isolation, uptake and effects of the psychiatric pharmaceutical oxazepam in fish. To do this, we measured cortisol levels, behavioral stress responses, and oxazepam uptake under different stress and social conditions, in juvenile perch (Percafluviatilis) that were either exposed (1.03 mu gl(-1)) or not exposed to oxazepam. We found single exposed individuals to take up more oxazepam than individuals exposed in groups, likely as a result of stress caused by isolation. Furthermore, the bioconcentration factor (BCF) was significantly negatively correlated with fish weight in both social treatments. We found no effect of oxazepam exposure on body cortisol concentration or behavioral stress response. Most laboratory experiments, including standardized bioconcentration assays, are designed to minimize stress for the test organisms, however wild animals experience stress naturally. Hence, differences in stress levels between laboratory and natural environments can be one of the reasons why predictions from artificial laboratory experiments largely underestimate uptake of oxazepam, and other pharmaceuticals, in the wild. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Keywords

Bioconcentration; Brain concentration; Isolation; Pharmaceutical pollution; Shoaling; Stress mediated uptake

Published in

Aquatic Toxicology
2016, Volume: 180, pages: 71-77
Publisher: ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV

        SLU Authors

            Sustainable Development Goals

            SDG6 Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
            SDG14 Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development

            UKÄ Subject classification

            Environmental Sciences

            Publication identifier

            DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquatox.2016.09.004

            Permanent link to this page (URI)

            https://res.slu.se/id/publ/82962