One-tenth dose of LC50 of 4-tert-butylphenol causes endocrine disruption and metabolic changes in Cyprinus carpio

Of the huge annual worldwide production (500,000 MT in 1997) of alkylphenol polyethoxylates (APEs) that are widely used as nonionic surfactants and anti-oxidants in variety of products, 60% ends up in water bodies. They undergo biodegradation to form octyl-, butyl-, and nonyl-phenols. This experiment evaluated effects of 4-tert-butyl phenol (4-TBP) in Cyprinus carpio, a projected candidate species in sewage fed fisheries. The 96th h LC₅₀ of 4-TBP was found to be 6.9 mg/L. Fishes were treated with 1/10th (0.69 mg/L), 1/5th (1.38 mg/L), and 1/3rd (2.3 mg/L) dose of LC₅₀. Whereas there was significant (P < 0.01) decrease in alkaline phosphatase EC 3.1.3.1] and aspartate aminotransferase EC 2.6.1.1] activity; alanine aminotranferase EC 2.6.1.2] and acid phosphatase 3.1.3.2] (except decrease at 1/10th dose of LC₅₀) activity, vitellogenin production in muscle and hepatic- and reno-somatic indices were increased compared to control. With all the dose levels tested, testicular-somatic index (testis size) was reduced (P < 0.01) and histo-architectural changes in testicular and liver tissue were found even in group given 1/3rd dose of LC₅₀.