Biomarker responses in Danio rerio following an acute exposure (96 h) to e-waste leachate

A. Rielly, S. Dahms-Verster, R. Greenfield

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Electronic waste (e-waste) has been identified as an emerging pollutant and is the fastest growing waste stream at the present time. Significant technological development and modernization within the last decade has led to the rapid accumulation of outdated, broken and unwanted electrical and electronic equipment (EEE). Electronic products mainly consist of a range of metal containing components that, when disposed of improperly, could result in metal constituents leached into the environment and posing a health risk to humans and animals alike. Metal exposure can induce oxidative stress in organisms, which could lead to synergistic, antagonistic and additive effects. The metals found highest in abundance in the simulated e-waste leachate, were nickel (Ni), barium (Ba), zinc (Zn), lithium (Li), iron (Fe), aluminium (Al) and copper (Cu). An acute exposure study was conducted over a 96 h period to determine the potential toxicity of e-waste on the test organism Danio rerio. Biomarker analysis results to assess the biochemical and physiological effects induced by e-waste leachate, showed a statistically significant effect induced on acetylcholinesterase activity, superoxide dismutase, catalase activity, reduced glutathione content, glutathione s-transferase, malondialdehyde and glucose energy available. The Integrated Biomarker Response (IBRv2) analysis revealed a greater biomarker response induced as the exposure concentration of e-waste leachate increased.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)859-874
Number of pages16
JournalEcotoxicology
Volume33
Issue number8
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Oct 2024

Keywords

  • Biochemical responses
  • Biomarkers
  • Freshwater
  • Metals
  • Physiological effect
  • e-waste

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Toxicology
  • Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law
  • Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

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