Determine the acute toxicity (LC_50) of copper on embryo and larval stages of zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Abstract

Copper (Cu) is an essential element in living organisms since it is a constituent component of many important enzymes. However, excess copper levels may lead to very serious consequences. The purpose of this study is to determine the median lethal concentration of copper toxicity (LC₅₀) for zebrafish (Danio rerio) at three different ages (0-day-old, 3-day-old and 10-day-old) with the exposure time of 24 hours and 96 hours. Findings showed that the LC₅₀ of copper for 24 hour on 0-day-old fish, 3-day-old fish, 10-day-old fish were 1.47 ± 0.16, 26.27 ± 1.69 and 6.54 ± 0.98 mgCu/l, respectively. The LC₅₀ of copper for 96 hour on 0-day-old fish, 3-day-old fish, 10-day-old fish were 0.88 ± 0.10, 1.17 ± 0.52, 1.11 ± 0.08 mgCu/l, respectively. The LC₅₀ Cu levels for zebrafish were lower than the LC₅₀ Pb levels.