Multiple-Integrated Biomarker Indexes to Assess the Responses of the Flatfish Achirus lineatus during Exposure to Light Crude Oil Water Accommodated Fraction.

Abstract

In the present study, we evaluated the biological response of Achirus lineatus to water accommodated fraction (WAF) of light crude oil (American Petroleum Institute gravity 35°) during a sub-chronic bioassay (14 and 28 days) at two different concentrations: 5% v/v (1.20 µg∙L^- 1 expressed as total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons [∑25 PAH]) and 10% v/v (6.61 µg∙L^- 1 [∑25 PAH]). The responses were evaluated through the biomarker response index (BRI), the integrated biomarker response (IBRv2) and the bioconcentration factor (BCF). The results showed an increase in biological response in relation to WAF concentration and exposure time, which resulted in a slight and moderate disturbance in the basal condition and bioconcentration level of metals (Pb > Ni > V > Cd) in fish tissue. Results in the present study denote that flatfish such as A. lineatus may be negatively influenced by spilled light crude oil.