Effects of powdered activated carbon and calcium on trihalomethane toxicity of zebrafish embryos and larvae in hybrid membrane bioreactors

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of powdered activated carbon and calcium on trihalomethane toxicity in zebrafish embryos and larvae in hybrid membrane bioreactors. Two hybrid membrane bioreactors were configured with the addition of powdered activated carbon or calcium to reduce the trihalomethane formation potential. Trihalomethane formation decreased by approximately 37.2% and 30.3% in membrane bioreactor-powdered activated carbon and membrane bioreactor-calcium, respectively. Additionally, the toxic effect of trihalomethane formation was examined on zebrafish embryos and larvae. About 35% of the embryos exposed to trihalomethanes (800 ppb) showed signs of deformation, with the majority displaying coagulation within 24 h after exposure. Color preference tests, which were conducted to identify any abnormal activities of the embryos, showed an increase in preference from short to longer wavelengths upon exposure to high levels of trihalomethanes. This may indicate damage to the optical organs in zebrafish when exposed to trihalomethanes. Behavioral analysis showed reduced mobility of zebrafish larvae under different trihalomethane concentrations, indicating a decrease in the average activity time with an increasing trihalomethane concentration. The membrane bioreactor effluents were toxic to zebrafish embryos and larvae in the presence of high trihalomethane concentrations. To understand the mechanism behind trihalomethane toxicity, further studies are needed.

Keywords: Calcium; Membrane bioreactor; Powdered activated carbon; Toxicity; Trihalomethanes.