Fluoride toxicity to Chinese sturgeon (Acipenser sinensis) larvae and fluoride concentrations in the Yangtze Estuary

Abstract

Summary The toxicity of fluoride (F−) to Chinese sturgeon (Acipenser sinensis) larvae was investigated in combination with chloride (Cl−), hardness (Ca2+), and copper ions (Cu2+) within a 6 days test period, while F− concentrations were also monitored in the Yangtze Estuary for 1 year to assess the toxicity implications of environmental contamination load. The mean LC50 value (6 days) of F− was determined with 131.74 mg L−1 for Chinese sturgeon larvae. Safe concentrations of F− for Chinese sturgeon larvae were calculated with 0.01 LC50 (6-days) and 1.32 mg L−1 with Cl− while Ca2+ decreased the toxicity of F−. F− ameliorated toxicity of Cu2+. F− concentrations varied between 0.27 and 0.85 mg L−1 in the Yangtze River Estuary from August 2007 to May 2008. We assume that at the present level F− in the Yangtze Estuary does not cause adverse effects to juvenile Chinese sturgeon.