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Salinity-Dependent Nickel Accumulation and Oxidative Stress Responses in the Euryhaline Killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus)

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Abstract

The mechanisms of nickel (Ni) toxicity in marine fish remain unclear, although evidence from freshwater (FW) fish suggests that Ni can act as a pro-oxidant. This study investigated the oxidative stress effects of Ni on the euryhaline killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus) as a function of salinity. Killifish were exposed to sublethal levels (5, 10, and 20 mg L−1) of waterborne Ni for 96 h in FW (0 ppt) and 100 % saltwater (SW) (35 ppt). In general, SW was protective against both Ni accumulation and indicators of oxidative stress [protein carbonyl formation and catalase (CAT) activity]. This effect was most pronounced at the highest Ni exposure level. For example, FW intestine showed increased Ni accumulation relative to SW intestine at 20 mg Ni L−1, and this was accompanied by significantly greater protein carbonylation and CAT activity in this tissue. There were exceptions, however, in that although liver of FW killifish at the highest exposure concentration showed greater Ni accumulation relative to SW liver, levels of CAT activity were greatly decreased. This may relate to tissue- and salinity-specific differences in oxidative stress responses. The results of the present study suggest (1) that there was Ni-induced oxidative stress in killifish, (2) that the effects of salinity depend on differences in the physiology of the fish in FW versus SW, and (3) that increased levels of cations (sodium, calcium, potassium, and magnesium) and anions (SO4 and Cl) in SW are likely protective against Ni accumulation in tissues exposed to the aquatic environment.

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Acknowledgments

This research was supported by two NSERC CRD Grants awarded to Scott Smith and C. M. W. (principal investigators) with cofunding from the International Zinc Association, the International Lead Zinc Research Organization, the Nickel Producers Environmental Research Association, the International Copper Association, the Copper Development Association, Teck Resources, and Vale Inco. Thanks to Joe Gorsuch, Chris Schlekat, Mike Taylor, and the industrial partners for their helpful comments on the draft version of the manuscript.

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  1. Department of Biology, McMaster University, Life Science Building, 1280 Main St.W., Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada

    Tamzin A. Blewett & Chris M. Wood

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Correspondence to Tamzin A. Blewett.

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Blewett, T.A., Wood, C.M. Salinity-Dependent Nickel Accumulation and Oxidative Stress Responses in the Euryhaline Killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus). Arch Environ Contam Toxicol 68, 382–394 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00244-014-0115-6

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