Meeting Abstract
Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are synthetically produced chemicals that interfere with naturally produced hormones by inhibiting or exciting the normal functions of the endocrine system. Nonylphenol (NP) has been associated with high mortality and lifelong abnormalities, but is currently under-studied (Tanaka & Grizzle, 2002). NP is an estrogen mimic and has been used for the production of plastics, pesticides, and cleaning products (detergents). As a result of Increase in production of NP, the safety limit of NP, 7.0 μg/l, in the aquatic system is often breached (EPA, 2010, p.4). Previous studied on Virginian rivers have demonstrated that more than 10% of rivers across Virginia has exceeded 10 μg/l of NP (Ackermann et. al., 2002, p.204). Reduced hatching rates, inhibition of oogenesis in females and testicular tissues in males, hormonal imbalance, and behavioral abnormalities have been documented (Schwaiger et. al., 2002, p.182). Our project, using the Gambusia holbrooki (mosquitofish) model, explored sub-lethal effects of high (500 ppb), medium (100 ppb) and low (10 ppb) ecologically relevant doses of NP. Here we elucidate the impact of NP exposure on fish morphology, development, and behavior.
