Long-term and transgenerational effects of nonylphenol exposure at a key stage in the development of Crassostrea gigas. Possible endocrine disruption?

Abstract

The widespread aquatic pollutant nonylphenol has been found to induce long-term and transgenerational effects in the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas that have not previously been reported. Evidence is provided demonstrating that when larvae are exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations of nonylphenol for a single 48 h exposure at a key stage in their development, long-term sexual developmental effects are induced. Data provided by this study suggest that exposure to 1 and 100 µg l -1 nonylphenol at Days 7 to 8 post-fertilization results in a change in the sex ratio towards females and an increase in the incidence of hermaphroditism (10 mo later, up to 30% of the resulting adults were fully functional hermaphrodites). Gamete viability is also affected, resulting in poor embryonic and larval development (up to 100% mortality) of the subsequent generation.

Nonylphenol, an Integrated Vision of a Pollutant

“…The data in Table 2 have been generated from experiments using a range of NP concentrations that are found in contaminated rivers. Incidence of hermaphroditism, delay in the settlement and metamorphosis, delay in the development to D-shape, developmental abnormalities, reduction in larval survival, and changes in the sex ratio towards females [52,53] were found in the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas, which is of vital importance to the aquaculture industry. Ref.…”

“…Mollusca were the most sensitive group, even if recovery was observed after 6 weeks. Oysters are extremely sensitive to NP and, combined with the frequent presence of NP in sewage discharge waters, raises concerns about the effect of this pollutant and related compounds on natural and farmed oyster populations [53]. According to a draft proposal from the EPA acute toxicity of NP was determined for several aquatic species.…”

Identification of opdA , a Gene Involved in Biodegradation of the Endocrine Disrupter Octylphenol

“…Tabira et al (33) have shown that alkylphenols bind to recombinant human estrogen receptors in a dose-dependent fashion. Alkylphenols induce feminization in male amago salmon (26), cause changes in the sex ratio toward females and increase the frequency of intersexuality in Pacific oysters (27), and inhibit testicular growth in male rainbow trout during maturation (20).…”

The Effects of 4-Nonylphenol on the Immune Response of The Pacific Oyster, Crassostrea Gigas, Following Bacterial Infection (Vibrio Campbellii)

“…Studies conducted by Nice et al (2000Nice et al ( , 2003Nice et al ( & 2005 have also shown a decrease in sperm motility, increase in percent hermaphroditism, and an increase of developmental abnormalities in Pacific oysters exposed to high levels of 4-NP. Currently, there is some data documenting the effects of 4-NP on the immune systems of bivalves; however, there is a lack of research studying immune responses in the economically important Pacific oyster.…”

“…Studies conducted by Nice et al (2000Nice et al ( , 2003Nice et al ( & 2005 have also shown a decrease in sperm motility, increase in percent hermaphroditism, and an increase of developmental abnormalities in Pacific oysters exposed to high levels of 4-NP (100 μg l -1 ). The California Environmental Protection Agency (Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment) has recently identified a critical need for targeted studies of 4-NP toxicity on marine organisms, with particular regard to the non-reproductive and non-developmental impacts (Carlisle et al 2009).…”