Effects of pH and nitrites on the toxicity of a cypermethrin-based pesticide to zebrafish embryos

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of pH and nitrite variation on the toxicity of the cypermethrin based pesticide Barrage®. Zebrafish embryos (Danio rerio) were exposed to a combination of pH or nitrite and cypermethrin through the Barrage® formulation for 96 hours and lethal and developmental endpoints assessed. Concerning mortality, pH seemed to increase Barrage® toxicity, while nitrite concentrations tested did not seem to change Barrage® lethality. At sublethal level, either for combinations involving pH or nitrites, results suggest some interactive effects of environmental and chemical factors, highlighting the need of further research. This work suggests that sublethal endpoints should be included in the assessment of combined effects of compounds given that they can provide important information not obtained through lethality.
Source: Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology - Category: Environmental Health Source Type: research