Real-time determination of water status upon simultaneous zebrafish exposure to sublethal concentrations of CuSO₄

Water pollution from commonly occurring contaminants (metals, xenobiotics, etc.) is a serious global problem. Copper is a commonly occurring water contaminant. A variety of physiological and biological methods have been developed to monitor water quality. The assessment of biological responses is an effective method for identifying the harmful effects of contaminants on ecosystems. Fish is a highly recommended animal model in water quality monitoring. Swimming consistency (firmness) and respiratory metabolism (oxygen consumption rate, carbon dioxide excretion rate and respiratory quotient) are essential for fish to maintain body homeostasis toward coping with environmental stress. We exposed zebrafish to different concentrations (Treatment I-0.1 mg/L and Treatment II-1.58 mg/L) of CuSO₄. We have continuously quantified the strength of behavior (swimming consistency) and physiological (respiratory rates) biomarkers for ten days using an online monitoring system of swimming behavior and external respiration. Swimming consistency and respiratory rates of zebrafish (p<0.05) decreased in the CuSO₄-treated groups compared to the control group. Avoidance behavior has led to an endpoint behavior at copperiedus. The time-delayed toxic effect has resulted in CuSO₄ treatment groups. We checked for swimming consistency aberration on the artificial neural array, Self-organizing map (SOM). Circadian rhythms were influenced by prolonged exposure to CuSO₄ toxicity. A concentration- and duration-dependent behavior anomaly was noted in this study. Swimming behavior and respiratory metabolism patterns are sensitive non-invasive stress biomarkers for water quality monitoring studies.