The bioaccumulation of fluoride ion (F −) in Siberian sturgeon ( Acipenser baerii) under laboratory conditions

Abstract

A 90-d growth trial was conducted to determine the accumulation of fluoride ions (F −) in juvenile Siberian sturgeon ( Acipenser baerii). Fish were exposed to nominal F − concentrations of 4, 10, 25, 62.5 mg L −1 (added as NaF), along with a control group. Fish growth was determined and F − concentrations in bone, cartilage, skin, gill, muscle, liver, gut and pylorus were analyzed by fluoride specific electrode method. Fish growth was inhibited for groups exposed to 10, 25, and 62.5 mg F − L −1 compared to the control group. Significant increases in F − concentrations were observed in bone, cartilage, skin and gill of Siberian sturgeon exposed to ⩾4 mg F − L −1. The highest F − concentration was in bone (3204.4 mg kg −1, dry weight), followed by cartilage (1401.2 mg kg −1), gill (389.4 mg kg −1), skin (100.1 mg kg −1). Muscle, liver, gut and pylorus did not show increasing accumulation with increasing F − levels in the water, but liver, gut, pylorus accumulated higher F − concentration compared to muscle. It is summarized that F − accumulates mainly in bone and cartilage in Siberian sturgeon, with 10 mg F − L −1 in water harmful to growth. Even 4 mg F − L −1 may be harmful to Siberian sturgeon growth during a long-term waterborne exposure.