Bioaccumulation and elimination, acute toxicity analysis and risk assessment of diflubenzuron in common carp (Cyprinus carpio)

Abstract

Diflubenzuron has been applied in agriculture and aquaculture, and its residues in ecological environment and food chain could result in chronic exposure and long-term toxicity effects for human health. However, limited information is available regarding diflubenzuron levels in fish and associated risk assessment. This study performed the analysis for dynamic bioaccumulation and elimination distribution of diflubenzuron in carp tissues. The results indicated that diflubenzuron was absorbed and enriched by fish body along with higher enrichment in lipid-rich tissues of fish. The peak concentration in carp muscle reached 6-fold of diflubenzuron concentration in aquaculture water. The median lethal concentration (LC₅₀) of diflubenzuron at 96 h was 12.29 mg/L, presented low toxicity to carp. Risk assessment results showed that the chronic risk from dietary exposure to diflubenzuron through carp consumption for Chinese residents of children and adolescents, adults and elderly people were acceptable, while posed a certain risk for young children. This study provided the reference for pollution control, risk assessment and scientific management of diflubenzuron.

Keywords: Acute toxicity; Bioaccumulation and elimination; Diflubenzuron; Pharmacokinetic analysis; Risk assessment.