Bioconcentration and metabolism of 3,4-dichloroaniline in different life stages of guppy and zebrafish

Abstract

Bioconcentration factors (BCF) and metabolism of 3,4-dichloroaniline in different life stages of guppy (Poecilia reticulata Peters) and zebrafish (Brachydanio rerio Hamilton-Buchanan) were investigated. The results prove that embryos of zebrafish, four-day-old yolk sac larvae, 17-day-old larvae and adult zebrafish are able to transform the chemical to 3,4-dichloroacetanilide. Bioconcentration factors in these life stages are between 30 and 42, exept yolk sac larvae showing a BCF of 86. 3,4-Dichloroacetanilide was also detected in extracts of newborn and adult guppies, but they are able to form an additional, yet unknown metabolite. The BCF varies from 34 in six-month-old guppies to 226 in newborns. Tissue distribution of 3,4-dichloroaniline and its metabolites in adult guppies demonstrates high concentrations in gallbladder and intestine. Metabolite pattern of embryos (one week before hatching) are nearly identical to those of adult female guppies. In zebrafish there are in any tissues or organs nearly same concentrations of the chemical.