Toxic Effects of Waterborne Pb Exposure on Hematological Parameters and Plasma Components in Starry Flounder, Platichthys stellatus
Lead (Pb) is a non-essential toxic metal that accumulates in aquatic environments, negatively impacting fish health. This study evaluated the acute toxicity of Pb in starry flounders (<i>Platichthys stellatus</i>). Fish (41 ± 8.1 g, 14 ± 0.9 cm) were exposed to Pb concentrations of 0, 10, 20, 40, 80, 160, 320, and 640 mg Pb<sup>2+</sup>/L for 96 h. The lethal concentration (96 h LC<sub>50</sub>) was determined to be 227 mg Pb<sup>2+</sup>/L. Hematological analysis showed significant decreases in RBC counts, hemoglobin, and hematocrit, while MCH and MCHC increased at ≥160 mg Pb<sup>2+</sup>/L. Plasma calcium levels significantly decreased following Pb exposure, and AST activity was reduced. These findings suggest that acute waterborne Pb exposure adversely affects survival, hematological parameters, and plasma components in <i>P. stellatus</i>, providing insight into Pb toxicity in aquatic organisms.
Authors
- Kyung‐Mi Lee (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5378-9258)
- Sung‐Pyo Hur (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1622-3271)
- Jun‐Hwan Kim (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1602-3752)
- Cheol Young Choi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3067-1142)
- Minjung Kim (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1732-3418)
Institutions
- Korea Maritime and Ocean University (KR)
- National Institute of Fisheries Science (KR)
- Jeju National University (KR)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Animals
- Published
- 2025-03-24
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15070932
- Citations
- 3
- Primary Topic
- Environmental Toxicology and Ecotoxicology
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 3.60
Funders
- National Institute of Fisheries Science
- Korea Institute of Marine Science and Technology promotion