Short-term exposure to a treated sewage effluent alters reproductive behaviour in the three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus)

摘要: Some UK sewage treatment work (STW) effluents have been found to contain high levels of anti-androgenic activity, but the biological significance this activity fish has not determined. The aim study was investigate effects exposure a STW effluent with on reproductive physiology and behaviour three-spined sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus). Fish were exposed (50 100%, v/v) strong (328.56±36.83 μgl(-1) flutamide equivalent, as quantified in recombinant yeast assay containing human androgen receptor) low level oestrogenic (3.32±0.66 ngl(-1) oestradiol oestrogen for period 21 days flow-through system laboratory. Levels spiggin, an androgen-regulated protein, affected by exposure, nor vitellogenin (a biomarker exposure), males impacted. Males full strength built fewer nests there significant reduction male courtship exposures both 50 100% treatments compared controls. effect seen reproduction may necessarily consequence endocrine active chemicals present alone, could relate other features effluent, such turbidity that can impair visual signalling important interactions. Regardless specific causation, data presented show from impact which turn affects performance/outcome. further highlights use sensitive endpoint assessing potential contaminated water bodies reproduction.