Toxic effects of benzene on aquatic organisms with different trophic levels in simulated accidental spills using indoor artificial streams
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Benzene, a toxic hydrocarbon, poses a significant threat to aquatic ecosystems, but the impact of accidental spills on aquatic organisms remains underexplored. This study simulates short-term benzene exposure in an artificial stream, evaluating its effects on aquatic species from different trophic levels, including periphytic algae, invertebrates (Moina macrocopa, Glyptotendipes tokunagai, Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri), and fish (Zacco platypus, Aphyocypris chinensis). Benzene concentrations of 150, 330, and 726 mg/L were introduced for 4 h to assess the biological responses of these species and their potential as sentinel species. Z. platypus exhibited the highest sensitivity, with significant mortality during benzene exposure, suggesting its potential as an early sentinel species. During post-exposure period, M. macrocopa exhibited reduced survival and fecundity, though reproductive recovery was observed over time. G. tokunagai populations also declined at high benzene levels. In contrast, periphytic algae, L. hoffmeisteri, A. chinensis, and fish growth were largely unaffected. These findings highlight the varying susceptibility of aquatic species to benzene exposure and suggest that Z. platypus, M. macrocopa, and G. tokunagai may be valuable for monitoring both immediate and delayed toxic effects in aquatic environments following benzene spills.
DOI: 10.4491/eer.2024.540
Authors: Seonghwan Park, Sangjun Lee, Dong-Hyuk Yeom
Institution: Korea Institute of Toxicology
Language: English
Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
Awards: G7667128967, G8247492843
OpenAlex ID: W4405529888