The heavy rare earth element ytterbium (Yb) is a critical element of technology finding its way into urban wastewaters from solid waste disposal sites. The purpose of this study was to investigate the lethal and sublethal toxicity of Yb to rainbow trout juveniles. They were exposed to increasing concentrations of Yb3+ (0.06–40mg/L) for 96 hours (h) at 15 degrees Celsius (°C). Mortality was recorded, and in the surviving fish, the following biomarkers were determined: protein aggregation, thioneins, lipid peroxidation (LPO), and DNA damage in gills and the liver. The 96-h lethal concentration (LC50) was 2.7 ± 0.66 mg/L indicating that this element is toxic to fish. Biomarker responses to Yb occurred at concentration 45 times less than the LC50 in some cases. The following biomarkers were positively (p < 0.05) correlated to fish survival: liver thioneins, gill DNA strand breaks, LPO, and protein aggregation in the liver. The decrease in LPO in the liver and gills by Yb suggests reduced production of reactive oxygen species production. In conclusion, Yb is toxic to trout juveniles producing sublethal effects at concentrations range of 60 μg/L after 96 h. This concentration represents an upper limit for consideration for aquatic animal health.
All data and information are subject to a publication containing a detailed survey of current research, data compilation procedures, and conclusions. Citation: Auclair, J., Roubeau-Dumont, E., André, C., & Gagné, F. (2025). Lethal and sublethal toxicity of ytterbium in rainbow trout juveniles. Environmental science and pollution research international, 32(15), 9966–9974. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-025-36315-5
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The Chemicals Management Plan (CMP) is a Government of Canada initiative aimed at reducing the risks posed by chemicals to Canadians and their environment. A key element of the Chemicals Management Plan is the monitoring and surveillance of levels of harmful chemicals in Canadians and their environment. Monitoring and surveillance are essential to identify and track exposure to hazards in the environment and associated health implications. Monitoring and surveillance programs provide the basis for making sound and effective public health and environmental health policies and interventions, as well as measuring the efficacy of control measures.
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