title: Impact of butyl benzyl phthalate on development of the reproductive system of European pikeperch, Sander lucioperca (L.).
abstract: The effect of butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP) on the sex differentiation process of fish is practically unknown. The experimental material of this study was juvenile European pikeperch [Sander lucioperca (L.)], which is gonochoristic, undergoes immediate sex differentiation, and has a fixed gonad differentiation period. The fish were fed a diet supplemented with BBP (during the sex differentiation phase: age 61-96 days post hatch) in the following quantities: 1.0; 2.0; 4.0; 8.0; 16.0 g BBP kg-1 feed. The control feed was a xenobiotic-free base feed. In the present experiment lasting 10 weeks, the survival and growth of fish, the histopathological changes of the fish gonads and the sex ratio were evaluated. After administration of the two highest doses of BBP, growth inhibition of the fish was observed. BBP also seriously disturbed the gonadal differentiation process of pikeperch. All analysed concentrations of BBP delayed testicular development and, at concentrations of 4.0, 8.0 and 16.0 g BBP kg-1, induction of the feminisation process was observed. The sex ratio was distinctly disrupted in groups receiving 8.0 and 16.0 g BBP kg-1.
authors.affiliation: The Stanisław Sakowicz Inland Fisheries Institute Department of Aquaculture Oczapowskiego 10 10-719 Olsztyn Poland.
authors.forename: Sylwia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Jarmołowicz
authors.affiliation: University of Warmia and Mazury Department of Ichthyology, Faculty of Environmental Sciences Olsztyn Poland.
authors.forename: Krystyna
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Demska-Zakęś
authors.affiliation: The Stanisław Sakowicz Inland Fisheries Institute Department of Aquaculture Oczapowskiego 10 10-719 Olsztyn Poland.
authors.forename: Zdzisław
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Zakęś
keywords: Xenobiotics; butyl benzyl phthalate; endocrine disruptive chemicals; gonadal development; phthalates; pikeperch