Copper(Cu) is an essential trace element for human and animals for a number of biochemical funtions. But Cu can have toxic effects especially on organisms at low anbient levels. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of exposured ...
Copper(Cu) is an essential trace element for human and animals for a number of biochemical funtions. But Cu can have toxic effects especially on organisms at low anbient levels. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of exposured Cu on growth, antioxidant enzyme(SOD, CAT) in the hepatopancreas and bioaccumulation of abalone (Haliotis discus hannai). Abalone were exposed to various concentration of Cu (0, 5, 10, 20, 40 ㎍/L).
Bioaccumulation of tissues, hepatopancreas, muscles and gills were measured. hepatopancreas and gills Cu concentration of abalone increases to extent during the 4 weeks accumulation time. But muscles showed no significant changes, with respect to control. These data indicate that abalone, Haliotis discus hannai hepatopancreas and gills can be considered adequate target tissues for waterborne exposured of Cu.
Weight growth rate of abalone exposed to Cu was significantly decreased in 20 and 40㎍/L groups compared to control. This study revealed that high Cu concentration (≥ 20㎍/ℓ) reduced growth of abalone. Cu induced significantly elevated SOD, CAT of hepatopancreas showed increasing tendency in 20, 40 ㎍/L.
Hemolymph were measured on total protein, glucose, magnesium, calcium, Aspartate aminotransferase(AST), alanine aminotransferase(ALT) and Alkaline phosphatase(ALP) in abalone exposed to Cu concentration. Magnesium (Mg), and total protein and glucose of abalone exposed to waterborne Cu was no significant difference from controls, but on the other hand AST, ALT activity and Ca of abalone exposed to waterborne Cu was significant changes after 4 weeks from 20, 40 ㎍/L compared to controls.
These data indicate that excessive waterborne Cu can affect the toxicity of xenbiotics to abalone through alterations in hepatopancreas and homolymph enzyme systems, and growth rate. Thus, environmental standard of Cu 20㎍/L, should be considered a potential source of variation in toxicological studies with abalone.