Toxic Effects Of Copper Research Articles

ФИТОПРОТЕКТОРНЫЙ ЭФФЕКТ ГУМАТА АММОНИЯ ПРИ ВЫСОКИХ КОНЦЕНТРАЦИЯХ МЕДИ В СРЕДЕ

The influence of ammonium humate obtained from peat on the wheat plant tolerance to high CuSO4 concentrations (100, 250, 500, and 1000 μM/l) was studied. Seeds were germinated on copper sulphate solution with and without the humate. Then the plants were grown on Hoagland’s solution in an artificial climate chamber. The humate protective action coefficient was estimated in two ways, namely: by dry weight changes and by copper ion content in comparison with the plants grown without humate. A protective role of the humate at 100 and 250 μM was established, due to copper accumulation reduction in the plants. At higher concentrations the humate enhanced the toxic effect of copper.

The toxic effect of copper on the association between ciliates Euplotes vannus and Euplotes crassus and their naturally associated bacteria isolated from a polluted tropical bay

The main focus of this study was to evaluate the copper sensitivity of Euplotes vannus, Euplotes crassus, and their naturally associated bacteria from Guanabara Bay, a Brazilian polluted bay, during 96 h of laboratory assay. In the control, both microorganisms did not appear to be negatively affected, and E. vannus and E. crassus produced the highest biomass at 48 h (6.3×102 and 1.14×103μg C cm−3). With 0.001 mg Cu L−1, E. vannus and E. crassus showed the highest biomass (1.90×10−1 μg C cm−3, 24–72 h, and 8.52×102 μg C cm−3, 24 h), while their bacteria showed highest biomass at 24 h with exposition of 0,1 mg Cu L−1 (1.32 μg C cm−3, E. vannus) and with 0.001 mg Cu L−1 (1.90×10−1 μg C cm−3, E. crassus). However, E. crassus showed more resistance and both following bacteria showed better adaptation to higher copper concentration, possibly due to previous environmental selection. The basis of the microbial loop may be active under copper stress and facilitates the biomagnification process. CapsuleThe Euplotes resistance was evaluated with their naturally associated bacteria to copper. The association of Euplotes and bacteria positively influenced bacterial survival during copper stress.

Legacy mercury releases during copper mining near Lake Superior

Abstract To examine issues of mercury contamination in lake sediments and fish, we require insight into historic sources of mercury and details of watershed methyl mercury (MeHg) cycling. Modern-day National Atmospheric Deposition Program (NADP) estimates of atmospheric mercury deposition in the upper Midwest region range from 4–10 μg/m 2 /y (wet only) to 5–30 μg/m 2 /y (gross deposition). Sedimentary records from scattered Michigan lakes, removed from mining sites, record around 5–24 μg/m 2 /y modern THg deposition. However, these values are not representative of historic deposition near mining sites. On the Keweenaw Peninsula, mercury occurs naturally in copper ores and was discharged by smelting and stamp mill (tailings) operations. Here we examine mercury fluxes into two lakes (Portage and Torch Lake, portions of the Keweenaw Waterway) off Lake Superior, part of the previous Torch Lake Superfund site. Total mercury fluxes document greatly enhanced mercury loading (mean ca. 1590 μg/m 2 /y; peaks of 5120 to 21,300 μg/m 2 /y) during the height of copper mining (1880–1930), followed by a rapid decline once activities ceased. Methylmercury profiles appear to document both current methylation and historic methylation during mining operations. Time differences in MeHg and THg profiles may relate to watershed delivery time lags, toxic effects of copper on methylating bacteria, or to stratigraphic mobility. Whereas rapid sedimentation and lowered copper flux are promoting ecosystem recovery in Portage Lake, slower burial by organic-rich sediments is enhancing metal concentrations in Torch Lake sediments.

Effects of copper toxicity on response inhibition processes: a study in Wilson's disease.

Wilson's disease (WD) is a rare genetic disease causing copper deposits in various tissues. Given the specificity of the underlying pathology, it is a good model to investigate the effects of copper toxicity on cognitive functions in humans. If left untreated, WD results in neurodegeneration and organ failure, but irrespective of potential brain damage, the medication might reduce cortical norepinephrine (NE) levels. In line with this, dysexecutive symptoms including increased impulsivity have been reported for WD patients, but the underlying mechanisms have remained elusive. We investigated inhibition and the associated neurophysiological correlates in n=26 WD patients with mild-to-moderate clinical symptoms and matched healthy controls who completed a Go/Nogo task, while an EEG was recorded. Although the behavioral data do not show increased impulsivity in WD, the neurophysiological data show that evaluative processing of successful inhibition (as reflected by the P3 component) was strongly compromised. This was reflected by a decrease in ACC activity which was positively correlated with the severity of WD symptoms, stressing the importance of copper (toxicity) for neurocognitive functioning and impulsivity. These changes are most likely due to a combination of NE deficiency induced by WD medication as well as WD-induced brain damage. The fact that changes were still evident on a neurophysiological level suggests that neurophysiological correlates of cognitive processes and functions provide a more sensitive index of toxicity and/or treatment efficiency than purely behavioral measures.

Morphology, ultrastructure and mineral uptake is affected by copper toxicity in young plants of Inga subnuda subs. luschnathiana (Benth.) T.D. Penn.

Toxic effects of copper (Cu) were analyzed in young plants of Inga subnuda subs. luschnathiana, a species that is highly tolerant to flooding and found in Brazil in wetlands contaminated with Cu. Plants were cultivated in fully nutritive solution, containing different concentrations of Cu (from 0.08 μmol to 0.47 mmol L(-1)). Symptoms of Cu toxicity were observed in both leaves and roots of plants cultivated from 0.16 mmol Cu L(-1). In the leaves, Cu clearly induced alterations in the thickness of the epidermis, mesophyll, palisade parenchyma, and intercellular space of the lacunose parenchyma. Also, this metal induced disorganization in thylakoid membranes, internal and external membrane rupture in chloroplasts, mitochondrial alterations, and electrodense material deposition in vacuoles of the parenchyma and cell walls. The starch grains disappeared; however, an increase of plastoglobule numbers was observed according to Cu toxicity. In the roots, destruction of the epidermis, reduction of the intercellular space, and modifications in the format of initial cells of the external cortex were evident. Cell walls and endoderm had been broken, invaginations of tonoplast and vacuole retractions were found, and, again, electrodense material was observed in these sites. Mineral nutrient analysis revealed higher Cu accumulation in the roots and greater macro- and micronutrients accumulation into shoots. Thus, root morphological and ultrastructural changes induced differential nutrients uptake and their translocations from root toward shoots, and this was related to membrane and endoderm ruptures caused by Cu toxicity.

The Protective Roles of Selenium on Hepatic Tissue Ultrastructure and Mitochondrial Antioxidant Capacity in Copper-Overloaded Rats.

The aim of this study was to explore the effects of selenium addition on hepatic tissue ultrastructure and mitochondrial antioxidant capacity in copper-overloaded rats. Eighteen adult male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into three groups (n = 6 per group). Each group received 1mL (intragastrically) of water (control, group I) or water containing copper chloride (CuCl2, 1mol/L) (group II) or a mixture of CuCl2 (1mol/L) with sodium selenite (Na2SeO3, 0.05mol/L) (group III) once daily for 30days. Histological examination revealed normal hepatocyte structure and no ultrastructural changes in mitochondria in controls. In contrast, group II exhibited severe ultrastructural alterations, fuzzy mitochondrial membranes, irregularly shaped and fragmented rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER), and the high melanin content; group III also exhibited larger amounts of engulfing vesicles (EV) in the cytoplasm. Compared to controls, the CuCl2 treatment lowered (P < 0.05) hepatocyte enzymatic activities and increased lipid peroxidation as indicated by an increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. The effects of CuCl2 were attenuated by simultaneous administration with Na2SeO3. These results indicated that the adverse effects of copper toxicity can be partially attenuated by providing a source of selenium.

The toxic effects of copper on larvae of the barnacle species Chthamalus challengeri

With the increased use of copper (Cu)-based antifouling (AF) paints, copper has become a potential threat to marine organisms. Experiments were performed to investigate the effects of copper on larvae of the barnacle Chthamalus challengeri. These experiments attempted to identify a more sensitive index to monitor copper pollution in marine environments. The 24 h LC50 ranged from 156.07 μg/L (nauplius II) to 817.15 μg/L (cypris) and the no observed effect concentration (NOEC) ranged from 81.75 μg/L (nauplius II) to 571.04 μg/L (cypris). The cypris settlement rate declined significantly when copper concentrations ≥135 μg/L. No cypris was found in the copper concentration of 60 and 75 μg/L treatment groups stressed for 22 d. Nauplius II moulting was not affected by exposure to copper for 24 h; however, when extended to 48 h, the percent moulted in 75 μg/L treatment group was declined to 37.12%, which was significant lower (P <0.05) than that in the control group. The phototaxis of nauplius II decreased significantly when copper concentrations ≥45 μg/L. Despite an initial significant increase at copper concentrations of 30 μg/L, ammonia excretion rate decreased when copper concentrations ≥60 μg/L. These results suggested that: (1) nauplius II could not develop to the cypris when the copper concentration ≥60 μg/L; (2) cypris settlement is more susceptible to copper than cypris mortality rate; (3) nauplius II is the most sensitive larval stage; (4) nauplius II ammonia excretion rate is the most sensitive index to copper and might be as the indicator for copper pollution monitoring.

Wilson's Disease Presenting with Severe Thrombocytopenia and Urinary Symptoms: Case Report and Literature Review

Wilson’s disease is inherited copper metabolism defect with primarily hepatic and also extra hepatic copper accumulation. Liver and other end organs damage - mainly cornea, brain and kidney, present with wide variety of symptoms, often resulting to misdiagnosis and delayed treatment. Liver manifestations range from asymptomatic liver and spleen enlargement to acute liver failure. Renal disturbances are rather usual and basically attributed to toxic effects of copper, leading to tubular dysfunction with impaired urate, calcium, phosphate, amino acids, potassium and glucose tubular handling. Thrombocytopenia is uncommon and happens mostly along with haemolytic anaemia. Here we present a case of Wilson’s disease, manifested with severe thrombocytopenia, splenomegaly and dark urine without haemolytic anaemia.

Effect of copper toxicity on root morphology, ultrastructure, and copper accumulation in Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens).

A hydroponic culture experiment was conducted to study the effect of copper toxicity on root morphology, ultrastructure, and copper accumulation in Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens). Root ultrastructure of Moso bamboo was studied by transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Application of 200 μM Cu resulted in an accumulation of 810 mg kg(-1) dry weight and 91 mg kg(-1) dry weight Cu in roots and shoots, respectively. The majority of the plants did not survive the application of 400 μM Cu. Biomass production declined consistently with application of each additional increment of Cu. Root growth was more severely inhibited than shoot growth. Cu adversely affected the root morphology of the plants, however, root surface area and number of root tips increased slightly at low levels of Cu. Root cell ultrastructure and organelles changed significantly under Cu stress, in particular, cell walls, mitochondria, and xylem parenchyma were affected.

Влияние экспериментальной гиперкальциемии на кардиоваскулярные проявления хронической медной интоксикации

Chronic toxicity of copper sulfate leads to the formation of system hemodynamic disturbances, which manifests itself in the form of increased mean arterial pressure in experimental animals and reduction in the pumping function of the heart. Increased heart rate in experimental animals under conditions of chronic copper toxicity is compensatory in nature and is intended to maintain the level of cardiac output. The observed increase adrenal reactivity of cardiovascular system in animals receiving only insulated copper sulfate, apparently due to changes in the activity of sympathetic nervous system. Under the conditions of experimental hypercalcemia toxic effects of copper on the cardiovascular system become more pronounced, probably due to an increase in the absorption of the metal in gastrointestinal tract. Copper sulphate amid intragastric administration of vitamin D3 leads to greater inhibition of the contractile function of the heart, as compared with the group of animals treated only xenobiotic. Despite a significant reduction in cardiac index, formed pronounced arterial hypertension associated with a strong increase of the specific peripheral vascular resistance. Effect of copper sulfate adrenal reactivity cardiovascular system is more pronounced in animals with experimental hypercalcemia model.

Evaluation of bioaccumulation and toxic effects of copper on hepatocellular structure in mice.

The present study was to evaluate the hepatotoxicity effects in mice exposed to copper (Cu) used as dietary supplements for 95 days. Cu-treated mice showed increased body weight, and no toxic symptoms were observed at the beginning, but the tendency gradually changed with progress of experiment. In the liver, beneficial metals [Cu, iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), and molybdenum (Mo)] were analyzed by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The content of Cu maintained at the same level during the experiments, but not resulting in the imbalance of Fe, Zn, Mn, and Mo being distributed. The activities of alkaline phosphatase (AKP) and super oxidation dismutase (SOD) showed significantly improvement during the first 30 days in Cu-supplemented group (P<0.01) but declined rapidly from 30th to 60th days, and later, they stabilized and were not statistically significant compared with control (P>0.05). No statistically significant correlation of ceruloplasmin (CPL) activity was appreciated during the experiment. The histopathological and ultrastructural abnormalities changes were observed in the liver of mice including vacuolar degeneration, necrosis, karyorrhexis, and endolysis. Many hepatocytes showed increased collagenic fibers, appearance of triglyceride droplets, and swollen mitochondria due to oral route of copper, which may lead to lipid peroxidation and free radicals. In conclusion, our study showed that exposure to copper influenced behavioral pattern and body weight, affected several enzymatic activities, and led to the physiological and considerable structural changes in the liver of mice. The public should pay more attention to avoid being exposed to copper.

In vitro effect of cadmium and copper on separated blood leukocytes of Dicentrarchus labrax

The immunotoxic effects of heavy metals on blood leukocytes of sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) were examined. The cells, separated by a discontinuous Percoll-gradients, were exposed in vitro to various sublethal concentrations of cadmium and copper (10−7M, 10−5M, and 10−3M) and their immunotoxic effect was then evaluated by measuring neutral red uptake, MTT assay, DNA fragmentation and Hsp70 gene expression. First of all, we demonstrated that the cells treated in vitro could incorporate Cd and Cu. A relationship between heavy metal exposure and dose-time-dependent alterations in responses of leukocytes from blood was found for both metals, but copper was more immunotoxic than cadmium in all assays performed. A significant reduction in the cells׳ ability to uptake neutral red and viability by MTT assay was recorded, indicating that both cadmium and copper could change the membrane permeability, inducing cellular apoptosis when the concentration of metals reached 10−3M. The apoptotic effect may also explain the high level of cytotoxicity found when the leukocytes were exposed to higher concentration of metals. These results demonstrated that toxic effect of copper and cadmium affect on the mechanisms of cell-mediated immunity reducing the immune defences of the organism.

Toxic effects of copper on the ovary of Heteropeneustes fossilis

Matured and acclimatized specimens of Heteropneustes fossilis were exposed to 30 ppm cupric chloride. The fish were sacrificed on 15th day of ovaries and were excised out. Histological preparation by the method of OFG staining was studied. Histological observations were observed that there yolk investment appeared cracked and broken due to the treatment with various reagents during paraffin impregnation. The young ova proliferated from stroma appear quite small and without a distinction of core. Most of ova were showed quite thick encapsulation. Vitellogenesis was much pronounced and delayed in liberation of ova was expected.

Toxic effects of copper and cadmium on fertilization potency of gametes of Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas)

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Effect of Copper, Irgarol and Atrazine on Epiphytes Attached to Artificial Devices for Coastal Ecotoxicology Bioassays.

Toxic effects of copper, atrazine and irgarol were evaluated on epiphytes attached to mimes (artificial devices that mimic the morphology of seagrasses) in order to check sensitivity of this biological group. Tube-dwelling diatoms were the major component of the epiphyte community. Superoxide dismutase activity was enhanced by exposure to 25 and 50μgL-1 of atrazine; the organism generates this antioxidant response to prevent cellular damage by removing reactive oxygen substances produced by oxidative stress. The measurement of antioxidant enzymatic activity in epiphytes could be a useful technique for ecotoxicology monitoring in marine coastal environments.

Single and Binary Toxic Effects of Copper, Lead, and 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene on Eisenia fetida in Microcosms

Abstract Eisenia fetida was tested to assess terrestrial ecotoxicity in microcosms contaminated by copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene (TCB) separately and in combinations. Toxicity endpoints were the median lethal concentration (LC50) and acid phosphatase (ACP), adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities. Single toxicity tests revealed that the toxicity order was 1,2,4-TCB>Cu>Pb for E. fetida with LC50 as the toxicity criterion. A binary combination of Cu (25 or 200 mg/kg) and TCB (25 or 200 mg/kg) caused increased ACP and ATPase activities but decreased GST activities in all treatments. A combination of Pb (50 or 400 mg/kg) and TCB (50 or 400 mg/kg) caused increased (days 2 and 14) and decreased (day 7) ACP activities, initially increased (day 2) and then decreased (days 7 and 14) ATPase activities, and decreased GST activities in all treatments. In general, antagonistic and/or synergistic responses reflected bioaccumulation patterns in some binary c...

Copper Stress on Photosynthesis of Black Mangle (Avicennia germinans)

The effects of copper toxicity on the photosynthetic activities of Avicennia germinans was investigated using two CuSO4 concentrations (0.062 and 0.33 M) added in Hoagland's solution in an aerated hydroponic system. Photosynthesis and chlorophyll fluorescence were measured after 30 h of copper stress. Results obtained in this study show that increasing levels of Cu(+2) of 0.062 and 0.33 M Cu(+2) resulted in a general reduction of the stomatal conductance (28 and 18%, respectively) and 100% of inhibition of net photosynthesis. Additionally, at these concentrations of Cu(+2), reductions of chlorophyll fluorescence parameters were also observed. These changes suggested that the photosynthetic apparatus of Avicennia germinans was the primary target of the Cu(+2) action. It is concluded that Cu(+2) ions causes a drastic decline in photosynthetic gas exchange and Chlorophyll fluorescence parameters in A. germinans leaves.

Evaluation of the Effects of Cow Dung and NPK Fertilizer on Maize Plant (&lt;i&gt;Zea mays&lt;/i&gt;) Grown on a Copper-Contaminated Soil

Greenhouse experiments were conducted to determine the effects of cow dung and NPK fertilizer on copper toxicity to maize grown in a copper-contaminated soil. NPK fertilizer treatments had the highest shoot phyto-toxicity of B - 100%, C - 94.3% and D - 83.6%/.A similar result was observed for root phyto-toxicity. On the other hand, cow dung treatments significantly reduced (P ≤ 1%) the effect of copper toxicity on the maize plant as evidenced by the negative values of shoot phyto-toxicity (E,- 11.0%, F,- 6.0%). Maize plants also showed significant reduction of growth at all NPK fertilizer treatments, relative to the cow dung treatments as measured by shoot and root dry weights. However, the various fertilizer treatments did not have any significant effect on the uptake to copper by the maize plants.Keywords: Cow dung, NPK, maize, copper.

Interaction of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (Glomus intraradices and Glomus etunicatum) with tomato plants grown under copper toxicity

In this research, the effect of two arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) inoculation (Glomus intraradices and Glomus etunicatum) on tomato plants growing in nutrient solution with high concentrations of copper were studied. Copper (Cu) is an essential micronutrient for plant growth. In the present study, the effect of copper toxicity on growth, chlorophyll, sugar, protein content and antioxidant enzymes activity in both mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal tomato plants were studied. The experiment was performed by using two treatments (mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal) and five concentrations of CuSO4 solution (0, 1.5, 3.5, 5.5, 7.5 Mm CuSO4) added to Hogland nutrient solution (with half P concentration). Copper toxicity caused reduction in growth in all treatments (non-AM). This may be due to the accumulation of Cu in leaves. Fresh and dry weights of shoot and roots, total sugar content in both shoots and roots, the total chlorophyll content in leaves, protein content in shoots and roots, antioxidant enzyme activity and root colonization were determined.

Toxic Effects of Copper, Cadmium, and Methoxychlor Shown by Neutral Red Retention Assay in Two Species of Freshwater Molluscs

We used neutral red retention assay in lysosomes of digestive gland cells as an indicator for stress effects by the environmental contaminants Cu, Cd, and the pesticide methoxychlor in two freshwater molluscs, the unionid mussel, Elliptio complanata (Lightfoot) and the ramshorn snail Helisoma trivolvis (Say). Mussels and snails were exposed for 7 and 14 days to Cu and Cd each at nominal concentrations of 2.5 µg/L, 5.0 µg/L, and 10.0 µg/L, and to methoxychlor concentrations of 1.0 µg/L, 10.0µg/L, and 100.0 µg/L. Both mussels and snails exposed to Cu showed a significant increase in the percent of destabilized lysosomes compared with lab control and freshly-collected (field control) mussels at both 7 and 14 days exposure for all concentrations. Cd-exposed mussels did not show a significant difference with either of the controls at 7 days, but at 14 days exposure, Cd significantly increased the percent of destabilized lysosomes at all concentrations compared to field control mussels. Compared to laboratory controls, Cd increased lysosomal destabilization at 5.0 µg/L and 10.0 µg/L. Snails exposed to Cd for 7 days had a significantly higher percentage of lysosomal destabilization than both lab and field controls but at 14 days, significant differences were only seen at the two highest Cd concentrations. Methoxychlor-exposed mussels showed no significant lysosomal destabilization at 7 days compared to controls. But at 14 days exposure, the pesticide increased the percentage of lysosomal destabilization at 10.0µg/L compared to lab controls, and increased at both 10.0µg/L and 100.0µg/L compared to field control mussels. Methoxychlor-exposed snails had a higher percentage of lysosomal destabilization at 7 and 14 days at all concentrations compared to both controls with the exception of the 1.0 µg/L -7 day exposure group. Snails were more sensitive to Cd and to methoxychlor than were mussels possibly because they lack an operculum and are thus completely exposed to the environment. The lowest observed effect concentration (LOEC) for Cd was 2.5 µg/L (14 days) for Elliptio and 2.5 µg/L (7 and 14 days) for Helisoma. For methoxychlor, the LOEC was 10.0 µg/L (14 days) for Elliptio and 10.0 and 1.0 µg/L (7 and 14 days, respectively) for Helisoma. The LOEC for Cu was 2.5 µg/L (7 and 14 day exposure) for both Elliptio and Helisoma. These results show that lysosomal destabilization as indicated by neutral red retention is a reliable indicator of stress from heavy metals and a pesticide in freshwater molluscs, including a taxon that is endangered or threatened in North America.