Acute toxicity of lead in fresh water bivalves Lamellidens jenkinsianus obesa and Parreysia (Parreysia) corrugata with evaluation of sublethal effects on acetylcholinesterase and catalase activity, lipid peroxidation, and behavior

The median lethal concentrations (LC50) of Pb at 96 h were 8.84, 192.14, and 3.22 mg L−1 for pre-reproductive and reproductive individuals of Lamellidens jenkinsianus obesa and reproductive individuals of Parreysia (Parreysia) corrugata, respectively. Thus, young L. j. obesa were much more sensitive to Pb than its adults, while P. (P.) corrugata was the most sensitive. However, all the three values were much higher than the Pb levels commonly found in natural waters, and indicative of the tolerance of these mollusks to acute, short-term Pb exposure. In contrary to these findings, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and catalase (CAT) activities were affected and lipid peroxidation (LPO) elevated in young L. j. obesa and P. (P.) corrugata in 21-day sublethal toxicity tests at 26–68 ppb Pb concentrations, which might be considered environmentally realistic. Some behavioral patterns such as number of movement (Mov) and durations of foot mobilization together with siphon extensions (FSE) were reduced, and the durations of valves remaining completely closed without any extension of foot and siphons (VC) increased significantly at 25–69 ppb Pb as well. Thus, the study revealed significant interspecific differences as well as that between life stages of the same species, suggesting that apparently hardy species could be impacted by low Pb concentrations in their young stages. Further, a multi-biomarker approach involving biological effects, anti-oxidative enzyme activity and easy-to-measure behavioral elements could comprise a valuable tool in assessment of Pb-induced stress in freshwater bivalves. •The 96 h LC50 in young Lamellidens j. obesa was 20 times less than that in the adult.•AChE and catalase activities in young L. j. obesa were affected at 68 ppb Pb.•AChE and catalase activities in P. (P.) corrugata were affected at 26 ppb Pb.•Lipid peroxidation in young Lamellidens and Parreysia was elevated at 26–68 ppb Pb.•Movement and foot-siphon extension were reduced or ceased in 25–69 ppb Pb in both.