Toxicity of complex chemical mixtures: acute and long-term effects on different life stages of zebrafish (Brachydanio rerio).

Acute and long-term toxicity of 3,4-dichloroaniline and lindane to zebrafish were examined in tap water and water from the Rhine River and the toxicity of the binary mixture 3,4-dichloroaniline/lindane in tap water was investigated. The acute toxicity of 3,4-dichloroaniline and lindane was not influenced by the complex matrix of river water compared with tap water. The binary mixture of 3,4-dichloroaniline and lindane demonstrated an additive effect in the acute test. The survival rate of early life stages in river water was reduced by lindane (80 micrograms/liter), whereas the effects of 3,4-dichloroaniline on survival and growth were visible but not significant. The binary mixture of 2 micrograms/liter, 3,4-dichloroaniline and 40 micrograms/liter lindane in tap water had an influence on growth on the early life stages of zebrafish.