A review of toxicity testing protocols and endpoints with Artemia spp. (October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Libralato, G.; Prato, E.; Migliore, L.; Cicero, A.M.; Manfra, L.
• Is Part Of: Ecological indicators. Volume 69(2016)
• Page Start: 35
• Page End: 49
• Publication Date: 2016-10
• Subjects: Artemia -- Toxicity test methods -- Hatching -- Biomarker -- Behavioral endpoints -- Immobilization/mortality and survival; Environmental monitoring -- Periodicals; Environmental management -- Periodicals; Environmental impact analysis -- Periodicals; Environmental risk assessment -- Periodicals; Sustainable development -- Periodicals; 333.71405
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolind.2016.04.017
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1470-160X

Abstract

Highlights: We presented an overview of toxicity testing methods with Artemia spp. No international standards for hatching, swimming, immobilization and mortality. Cysts hatching conditions before testing, varied greatly. Exposure conditions and data presentation limited their comparison. Need to standardize the use of Artemia spp. as a reference biological model. Abstract: Artemia spp. is an historically popular biological model still requiring an official internationally based standardization. Several endpoints are currently available. Short-term acute endpoints include biomarker (acetylcholinesterase; heat stress proteins; lipid peroxidation; thiobarbituric acid reactive substances; thioredoxin reductase; glutathione-peroxidase; glutathione S -transferase; glutathione reductase; aldehyde dehydrogenase; and adenylpyrophosphatase and Fluotox), hatching (dry biomass, morphological disorders and size), behavioral (swimming speed and path length), teratogenicity (growth), and immobilization (meaning mortality after 5–30 s observation). Long-term chronic tests focus on growth, reproduction and survival or mortality after 7–28 d exposure from larval to adulthood stage. We analyzed each test looking at its endpoint, toxicant and experimental design including replicates, exposure time, number of exposed cysts or organisms and their relative life stage, exposure conditions during hatching and testing (salinity, pH, light intensity, aeration dilution media, and food supply), type of testing chambers, and quality assurance and quality control criteria. Similarities and differences between the identified approaches were highlighted. Results evidenced that hatching 24 h short-term and 14 d long-term mortality are the most promising Artemia spp. protocols that should go forward with international standardization.