Determination of the bioaccumulation and elimination of sucralose in the zebrafish, Danio Rerio

Abstract

The bioaccumulation and subsequent elimination of sucralose in zebrafish (Danio rerio) was determined using a 48 hour semi static exposure system followed by 48 hours flow through of clean water for the depuration phase. Two exposure concentrations (10 and 100 mg/L) plus an appropriate control were used for the study. Fish were analysed on 5 occasions during the uptake phase and 4 times during the depuration phase using liquid chromatography – mass spectrometry (LC/MS). A steady state concentration in the fish was assumed after 24-48 hours and the bioconcentration factor (BCF) at steady state (BCFss) was calculated to be <1 for both concentrations tested. Furthermore, a kinetic BCF was calculated from the uptake rate constants and depuration rate constants to be <1 for both concentrations tested. This indicates that sucralose does not accumulate significantly in the tissues of zebrafish and the BCFss was considerably lower than the criteria set to identify persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic (PBT) substances (i.e. > 2000).