Sublethal and lethal toxicity in juvenile Senegal sole (Solea senegalensis) exposed to copper: a preliminary toxicity range-finding test.

Static bioassay test for acute toxicity of copper in Senegal sole juveniles (Solea senegalensis) was conducted. The 96h LC(50) value of metal was found to be 0.32mg/L Cu. The intensity of histological alterations was increased gradually with the copper concentration and the exposure time. Numerous aneurysms, hypertrophy, hyperplasia and fusion of the lamellar epithelium in gills and a disorganization of the hepatic parenchyma and vacuolization in liver were common lesions in S. senegalensis juveniles exposed to copper. The results of the study indicate the sensitivity of juvenile S. senegalensis to copper (II), the persistence of sublethal effects and histology as a tool capable of revealing the sublethal effects of heavy metals on the environment and aquatic biota.