Higher Risks of Copper Toxicity in Turbid Waters: Quantifying the Bioavailability of Particle-Bound Metals to Set Site-Specific Water Quality Criteria

In coastal waters, particulate metals constitute a substantial fraction of the total metals; however, the prevalent water quality criteria are primarily based on dissolved metals, seemingly neglecting the contribution of particulate metals. Here we developed a method to quantify the toxicity risk of particulate metals, and proposed a way to calculate modifying factors (MFs) for setting site-specific criteria in turbid waters. Specifically, we used a side-by-side experimental design to study copper (Cu) bioaccumulation and toxicity in an estuarine clam, Potamocorbula laevis, under the exposure to dissolved only and dissolved + particulate 65Cu. A toxicokinetic-toxicodynamic model (TK-TD) was used to quantify the processes of Cu uptake, ingestion, assimilation, egestion, and elimination, and to relate mortality risk to tissue Cu. We find that particulate Cu contributes 40-67% of the Cu bioaccumulation when the suspended particulate matter (SPM) ranges from 12 to 229 mg L-1. The Cu-bearing SPM also increases the sensitivity of organisms to internalized Cu by decreasing the internal threshold concentration (CIT) from 141 to 76.8 mu g g-1. MFs were derived based on the TK-TD model to consider the contribution of particulate Cu (in the studied SPM range) for increasing Cu bioaccumulation (MF = 1.3-2.2) and toxicity (MF = 2.3-3.9). Water quality criteria derived from dissolved metal exposure need to be lowered by dividing by an MF to provide adequate protection. Overall, the method we developed provides a scientifically sound framework to manage the risks of metals in turbid waters.

Automated summary

This study found that particulate metals in coastal waters play a significant role, but current water quality criteria focus mainly on dissolved metals and underestimate the contribution of particulate metals. A method was developed to assess the toxicity risk of particulate metals and calculate modifying factors for site-specific criteria in turbid waters. The study also revealed the important influence of particulate copper on bioaccumulation and toxicity. The application of modifying factors based on a toxicokinetic-toxicodynamic model allows for an accurate assessment of the toxicity risk of particulate copper.