Biochemical Changes in the Tissues of Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Exposed to Organophosphorous Pesticides and Heavy Metal Cadmium

The acute toxicity of melathion (MAL), atrzine (ATR) and Cadmium (Cd) in zebrafish (Danio rerio) were investigated by acute toxicity (LC 50 ), and the results showed that the 96 h LC 50 followed the order: MAL>Cd>ATR.Furthermore, the accumulation of ecotoxicity in zebrafish body and correlated biochemical responses in brain and muscles were explored and it was found that MAL, ATR and Cd could be rapidly accumulated in fish body shortly after exposure.The activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase in fish body increased after 96h exposure.The acute toxicity caused protein reduction in brain and muscles, and elevation of total lipid dry weight in fish body.Besides, some dose-dependent inhibition of AChE activity was found in brain and muscles of zebrafish exposed to higher concentrations of acute toxins.These can be employed in biomonitoring programs because they showed good correlation with toxins and were sensitive to different concentration patterns.