Growth, survival rate, body morphology and color of zebrafish (Danio rerio) exposed to Nicotine

Abstract

Although Nicotine is one of the most potent toxins in the world, it has been used as replacement therapy and has been given to patients through gums, dermal patches, lozenges and inhalers. Zebrafish are excellent model organisms and are widely used in biomedical studies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Nicotine on the growth performance and survival rate of zebrafish larvae and juveniles. Four hundred and eighty (480) newly hatched larvae were divided into four experimental groups namely: Control (C, 0 mg·L–1), N1 (N1, 5 mg·L–1), N2 (N2, 10 mg·L–1) and N3 (N3, 20 mg·L–1) per liter of water. The results showed that Nicotine had an adverse effect on the growth and survival rate of zebrafish. In addition, morphological abnormalities were detected. The experimental groups exposed to Nicotine showed lower final weight and length compared to the control and were statistically significant. Of the dosage used in the present study, 20 mg·L–1 Nicotine had the most negative effect on growth and survival rate. The survival rate decreased in all exposed groups compared to the control. The maximum growth and the highest survival rate were recorded in the control group. It is proposed that Nicotine when incorporated in water can adversely affect the body morphology, color, growth and survival rate of zebrafish. Cautions should be taken when used as replacement therapy.