Aquatic hypoxia is an endocrine disruptor and impairs fish reproduction

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

312 Scopus Citations
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Author(s)

  • Rudolf S. S. Wu
  • Bing Sheng Zhou
  • David J. Randall
  • Norman Y. S. Woo
  • Paul K. S. Lam

Detail(s)

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1137-1141
Journal / PublicationEnvironmental Science and Technology
Volume37
Issue number6
Publication statusPublished - 15 Mar 2003

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.

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review