[Effects of the effluent from a wastewater treatment plant in early life stage on development and growth of goldfish (Carassias auratus)].
The present study was conducted to assess the effects of effluent from a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) on goldfish in early life stage. Fertilized eggs of the goldfish were exposed to a serial of graded concentrations of the effluent for 30 d. The hatching and survival rates of goldfish were decreased and the freaky rate was elevated with increased effluent concentrations. Additionally, the growth of fry was inhibited, and both body length and body weight were significantly decreased at > or =20% of effluent (p < 0.05). vitellogenin (Vtg) in fry was induced by all exposure concentrations. However, concentration dependence was not apparent. The highest Vtg induction was observed at the exposure of 20% effluent, whereas the induction effects of Vtg were decreased at > 20% of effluent. After a period of culture in clean water, both body length and body weight of fish were significantly increased, and Vtg levels were significantly decreased (p < 0.05). The result demonstrates that the exposure of WWTP effluents in early life stage can cause a risk of fish feminization. Goldfish seem to be suitable in assessing environmental impact of endocrine-disrupting chemicals due to their sensitivity in early life stage.
Zhang
Hai-zhen
HZ
Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resources Development of Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China. zhanghaizhen0@126.com
Lu
Guang-hua
GH
D000818:Animals; D052244:Endocrine Disruptors / Q000633:toxicity*; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D006054:Goldfish / Q000254:growth & development*; D014865:Waste Disposal, Fluid / Q000379:methods; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000633:toxicity*; D015053:Zygote / Q000187:drug effects*
D052244:Endocrine Disruptors; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical