Abstract The objective of this study is to provide essential data for the development of water quality criteria for cadmium (Cd) using ecotoxicological tools. The 96-hour LC50 value for Cd in Villorita cyprinoides was 7.48 ± 0.54 mg L−1, with a 95% confidence interval ranging from 5.33 to 10.69. The no observable effect concentration, lowest observable effect concentration, and chronic value were 0.20, 0.31, and 0.23 mg L−1, respectively. The Cd-exposed group exhibited higher levels of antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione S-transferase, compared to the control group (p < 0.05). A dose-dependent increase in reduced, oxidized, and total glutathione was observed. Decreased redox index, lysosomal membrane stability, and increased lipid peroxidation and acetylcholinesterase levels were found (p < 0.05). The Cd-exposed group exhibited lower clearance, respiration, excretion rates, and absorption efficiency compared to controls. Protein, carbohydrate, and lipid levels declined with increasing Cd concentrations. Mitochondrial electron transport system activity increased across exposure concentrations, and cellular energy allocation and scope for growth were reduced (p < 0.05). The integrated biomarker index highlights the significance of antioxidant and physiological biomarkers in ecotoxicological research. This multi-biomarker study provides valuable insights into key toxicity and apical endpoints for establishing water quality criteria. Research highlights <UnorderedList Mark="Bullet"> <ItemContent> The 96-hour LC50 for cadmium in Villorita cyprinoides was 7.48 ± 0.54 mg L−1, while the NOEC, LOEC, and chronic value were 0.20, 0.31, and 0.23 mg L−1, respectively. </ItemContent> <ItemContent> Cadmium exposure significantly altered antioxidant enzyme activity, glutathione levels, lipid peroxidation, and acetylcholinesterase activity (p < 0.05). </ItemContent> <ItemContent> Physiological stress resulted in reduced CR, RR, ER, and energy reserves, impacting growth and metabolism. </ItemContent> <ItemContent> The integrated biomarker index highlighted key antioxidant and physiological biomarkers for ecotoxicological assessments. </ItemContent> <ItemContent> Findings provide toxicity data for cadmium, essential for the development of scientifically robust water quality criteria. </ItemContent> </UnorderedList>

Cadmium toxicity in the black clam Villorita cyprinoides (Gray 1825): insights for developing seawater quality criteria

期刊论文
发表日期：

2026年2月17日

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K V Neethu,
N Deepak Sankar,
P Hari Praved,
S R Marigoudar,
K V Sharma

摘要

Abstract

The objective of this study is to provide essential data for the development of water quality criteria for cadmium (Cd) using ecotoxicological tools. The 96-hour LC₅₀ value for Cd in Villorita cyprinoides was 7.48 ± 0.54 mg L⁻¹, with a 95% confidence interval ranging from 5.33 to 10.69. The no observable effect concentration, lowest observable effect concentration, and chronic value were 0.20, 0.31, and 0.23 mg L⁻¹, respectively. The Cd-exposed group exhibited higher levels of antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione S-transferase, compared to the control group (p < 0.05). A dose-dependent increase in reduced, oxidized, and total glutathione was observed. Decreased redox index, lysosomal membrane stability, and increased lipid peroxidation and acetylcholinesterase levels were found (p < 0.05). The Cd-exposed group exhibited lower clearance, respiration, excretion rates, and absorption efficiency compared to controls. Protein, carbohydrate, and lipid levels declined with increasing Cd concentrations. Mitochondrial electron transport system activity increased across exposure concentrations, and cellular energy allocation and scope for growth were reduced (p < 0.05). The integrated biomarker index highlights the significance of antioxidant and physiological biomarkers in ecotoxicological research. This multi-biomarker study provides valuable insights into key toxicity and apical endpoints for establishing water quality criteria.

Research highlights

The 96-hour LC₅₀ for cadmium in Villorita cyprinoides was 7.48 ± 0.54 mg L⁻¹, while the NOEC, LOEC, and chronic value were 0.20, 0.31, and 0.23 mg L⁻¹, respectively.

Cadmium exposure significantly altered antioxidant enzyme activity, glutathione levels, lipid peroxidation, and acetylcholinesterase activity (p < 0.05).

Physiological stress resulted in reduced CR, RR, ER, and energy reserves, impacting growth and metabolism.

The integrated biomarker index highlighted key antioxidant and physiological biomarkers for ecotoxicological assessments.

Findings provide toxicity data for cadmium, essential for the development of scientifically robust water quality criteria.