Effects of the terbuthylazine metabolite terbuthylazine-desethyl on common carp embryos and larvae

Toxicity of terbuthylazine-desethyl to embryos and larvae of common carp (Cyprinus catpio) was assessed. Based on mortality, the lethal concentration of terbuthylazine-desethyl was estimated to be 31 days LC50 = 441.6 mu g/L. Carp exposed to terbuthylazine-desethyl at 180014 mu g/L exhibited lower weight and length at 7 days of exposure compared to the control group. By day 20, carp exposed to 900 mu g/L terbuthylazine-desethyl showed lower weight and length compared to control group. Terbuthylazine-desethyl in concentrations (180, 900, and 1800 mu g/L) caused delay in ontogenetic development. Total superoxide dismutase activity was significantly lower in all exposed groups. Exposure to 180 and 900 mu g/L terbuthylazine-desethyl was associated with alteration of the caudal kidney tubular system including peritubular dilatation detachment of epithelial cells from the basal lamina, and focal autolytic disintegration of the tubular epithelia. Chronic terbuthylazine-desethyl exposure affected survival, growth, ontogenetic development, and the antioxidant system and caused pathological changes to the caudal kidney. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.