Acute toxicity of dichloroacetonitrile (DCAN) a typical nitrogenous disinfection by product (N DBP) on zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Dichloroacetonitrile (DCAN) is a typical nitrogenous disinfection by product (N DBP) and its toxicity on aquatic animals is investigated for the first time. The present study was designed to investigate the potential adverse effects of DCAN on zebrafish. DCAN could induce developmental toxicity to zebrafish embryos. A significant decrease in hatchability and an increase in malformation and mortality occurred when DCAN concentration was above 100ug/L. Heart function alteration and neuronal function disturbance occurred at concentration higher than 500 and 100ug/L, respectively. Further, DCAN was easily accumulated in adult zebrafish. The rank order of declining bioconcentration factor (BCF) was liver (1240 1670) gill (1210 1430) muscle (644 877) DCAN caused acute metabolism damage to adult zebrafish especially at 8 days exposure, at which time the "Integrated Biomarker Response" (IBR) index value reached 798 at 1mg/L DCAN dose. Acute DNA damage was induced to adult zebrafish by DCAN even at 10ug/L dose.
Ecotoxicology and environmental safety