Abstract
Dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) is an important polar aprotic solvent, less toxic than other members of this class. Because of its excellent solvating power, DMSO is frequently used as solvent for chemical reactions involving salts, especially Finkelstein reactions and other nucleophilic substitutions. Furthermore, DMSO is used as auxiliary substance in toxicity tests on aquatic organisms, usually at concentrations of 0.2 and 0.5 ml l-1. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of DMSO on early development, growth and mortality of early life stages in common carp. Tests were performed from fertilized egg to the end of the larval period with continuous exposure to DMSO at concentrations of 0.2, 0.5, 1.0 and 5.0 ml l-1. Mortality of embryos and larvae, intensity of development and growth, weight and occurrence of abnormalities were analyzed. DMSO exposure at all the tested concentrations did not result in any lethal effects or abnormalities compared to the control over the entire test period (29 days). Growth indicators were similar in DMSO treated (at concentrations of 0.2, 0.5 and 1.0 ml l-1) and control groups. However, mean body weight (35 ± 9 mg) of larvae exposed to the highest DMSO concentration (5 ml l-1) tested was significantly lower compared to the control (45 ± 14 mg).
Highlights
Aquatic toxicology tests are designed for readily water soluble substances
The present study revealed no significant effects of Dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) at concentrations tested (0.2– 5.0 ml·l-1) on hatching, viability, morphology and mortality of embryos and larvae
A 12% higher mean weight of fish exposed to the lowest concentration (0.2 ml·l-1) of DMSO, compared to the control group was found in the current study
Summary
Aquatic toxicology tests are designed for readily water soluble substances. due to the occurrence of several water-insoluble substances, the use of various solvents is needed. Dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) is commonly used in fish toxicity tests as a solvent for several water-insoluble substances (Rufli et al 1998; Rayburn et al 1991). As some studies showed that cryoprotectant toxicity is species-dependent (Cabrita et al 2006), the toxicity of DMSO has been evaluated on different species of water organisms (Rayburn and Fisher 1997; Chao et al 1994; Pillai et al 2001; Ding et al 2007; Lahnsteiner 2008). The current study aimed to assess the effect of low concentrations of DMSO on mortality, growth and early ontogeny of common carp, and to evaluate the suitability of this substance for use in tests at the early life stage of this fish species
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