Exposure to the azo dye Direct blue 15 produces toxic effects on microalgae, cladocerans, and zebrafish embryos

Aquatic pollution caused by dyes has increased together with the growth of activities using colorants such as the textile, leather, food, and agrochemicals industries. Because most popular azo dyes are synthesized from benzidine, a carcinogenic compound, a threat to aquatic biota could be expected. The use of single species for toxicity assessment provides limited data, so a battery of test organisms, including representatives of different trophic levels such as algae, zooplankters, and fish, could undoubtedly provide more information. Therefore, our study was aimed at evaluating the toxic effect of the azo dye Direct blue 15 (DB15) on a battery of bioassays using a primary producer (Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata), a primary consumer (Ceriodaphnia dubia), and a secondary consumer (Danio rerio). P. subcapitata was more sensitive to DB15 (IC₅₀ = 15.99 mg L⁻¹) than C. dubia (LC₅₀: 450 mg L⁻¹). In the algae exposed to DB15, chlorophyll-a and -b were significantly increased, and carotenoids were reduced. The concentrations of protein, carbohydrates, and lipids per cell in P. subcapitata exposed to all DB15 concentrations were significantly higher than that measured in control. At 25 mg L⁻¹ of DB15, survival, total progeny, and the number of released clutches were significantly decreased, and the start of reproduction was delayed in C. dubia. DB15 did not induce lethal or sublethal effects in D. rerio embryos at any of the tested concentrations from 24 to 72 h post-fertilization (hpf), but from 96 to 144 hpf, the larvae exposed to 100 and 500 mg L⁻¹ developed yolk sac edema, curved tail, and skeletal deformations. After 144 hpf, DB15 produced a significant increase in embryos without a heartbeat, as the concentration of dye raised. The textile-used, azo dye DB15, caused toxic effects of different magnitude on microalgae, cladocerans, and zebrafish embryos; for this reason, the discharge of this colorant into waterbodies should be regulated to prevent environmental impacts.