Effect of Waterborne Copper Sulfate Exposure on Copper Content in Liver and Axial Muscle of Channel Catfish

Abstract

Adult channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus were continuously exposed to waterborne copper sulfate added at concentrations of 1.7, 2.7, or 3.6 mg/L for 10 weeks. Overall, there were no significant differences in the copper content of channel catfish axial muscle during the exposure period, and no significant copper accumulation resulted from exposure. Significantly higher concentrations of copper were present in liver tissue of catfish in all exposed groups 2 weeks after exposure to waterborne copper sulfate began. Extent of copper accumulation in the liver was gender and dose related, with higher concentrations in males at the highest dosage level. Exposures to waterborne copper sulfate were discontinued after 10 weeks, and copper concentrations in liver tissue subsequently returned to levels indistinguishable from controls in 4–8 more weeks. Results indicate that copper sulfate used as a waterborne disease therapeutant for channel catfish does not alter copper content of edible muscle of channel catfish and should not present any hazard to human consumers.