Aquatic hypoxia is an endocrine disruptor and impairs fish reproduction
Research output: Journal Publications and Reviews › RGC 21 - Publication in refereed journal › peer-review
Author(s)
Detail(s)
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1137-1141 |
Journal / Publication | Environmental Science and Technology |
Volume | 37 |
Issue number | 6 |
Publication status | Published - 15 Mar 2003 |
Link(s)
Abstract
There is increasing concern that certain chemicals in the aquatic environment can disrupt endocrine systems, leading to reproductive impairment and threatening survival of wild populations of invertebrates, fish, bird, reptiles, and wildlife. For the first time, we report that hypoxia is also an endocrine disruptor and poses a significant threat to the reproduction and hence sustainability of fish populations. Serum levels of testosterone, estradiol, and triiodothyronine significantly decreased in carp (Cyprinus carpio) upon chronic exposure to hypoxia. These hormonal changes were associated with retarded gonadal development in both male and female carp, reduced spawning success, sperm motility, fertilization success, hatching rate, and larval survival, indicating that adverse effects of hypoxia on reproductive performance resulted from endocrine disruption. Since aquatic hypoxia commonly occurs over thousands of square kilometers in aquatic systems worldwide, our results imply that endocrine disruption and reproductive impairment in fish may be a widespread environmental problem.
Citation Format(s)
Aquatic hypoxia is an endocrine disruptor and impairs fish reproduction. / Wu, Rudolf S. S.; Zhou, Bing Sheng; Randall, David J. et al.
In: Environmental Science and Technology, Vol. 37, No. 6, 15.03.2003, p. 1137-1141.
In: Environmental Science and Technology, Vol. 37, No. 6, 15.03.2003, p. 1137-1141.
Research output: Journal Publications and Reviews › RGC 21 - Publication in refereed journal › peer-review