copper

Despite recent improvements of water quality in Belgium, there is a historic pollution of heavy metals in the aquatic environment.

Despite recent improvements of water quality in Belgium, there is a historic pollution of heavy metals in the aquatic environment. Different sensitivities of fish towards this metal pollution have been reported. Within this project, we will investigate the differences between rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), carp (Cyprinus carpio) and gibel carp (Carassius auratus gibelio) in dealing with the effects of copper exposure. These fish species differ in their tolerance to copper, but the underlying mechanisms have not yet been revealed. Fish will be exposed to two sublethal exposure-conditions; one similar concentration for every fish species and one concentration which is the 10% LC50 96h value for each fish species. After 1h, 12h, 24h, 3days, 1 week and 1 month gill and plasma samples are taken. The intracellular proteome of gill cells as well as the hormonal balance, the role of hormonal influences and oxidative stress conditions during exposure will be evaluated by use of techniques such as iTRAQ, 2DIGE, immunoassays, Real-time PCR and a number of enzymatic assays. When proteome-profiles are constructed and quantitative and qualitative changes in expression of proteins are unravelled, we can search for differentially expressed proteins which can serve as biomarkers.

Among environmental pollutants heavy metals make up a separate category: contrary to most organic contaminants heavy metals occur naturally, they are persistent, they bio-accumulate and are potentially toxic to man and biota. Metal toxicity can cause very diverse and sometimes baleful effects. Cadmium for example may cause renal dysfunction and respiratory problems in humans and animals. In plants growth retardation occurs as well as root damage, and noxious effects on physiological processes have been observed. Moreover, cadmium is a carcinogen.

This study investigates the importance of water and food as exposure sources of copper to zebrafish. (Danio rerio) It is explored to what extend uptake via water or food results in different responses and toxic effects.