Development of an exposure protocol for toxicity test (FEET) for a marine species: the European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax).

Regulatory assessment of the effects of chemicals requires the availability of validated tests representing different environments and organisms. In this context, developing new tests is particularly needed for marine species from temperate environments. It is also important to evaluate effects that are generally poorly characterized and seldom included in regulatory tests. In this study, we designed an exposure protocol using European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) larvae. We examined classical toxicological values (LCx) as well as behavioral responses. By comparing different hatching and breeding strategies, we defined the optimal conditions of exposure as non-agitated conditions in 24- or 48-well microplates. Our exposure protocol was then tested with 3,4-dichloroaniline (3,4-DCA), a recommended reference molecule. Based on our results, the 96 h LC for 3,4-DCA corresponded to 2.04 mg/L while the 168 h LC to 0.79 mg/L. Behavioral analyses showed no effect of 3,4-DCA at low concentration (0.25 mg/L). In conclusion, the present work established the basis for a new test which includes behavioral analysis and shows that the use of sea bass is suitable to early-life stage toxicity tests.