The roach (Rutilus rutilus) as a sentinel for assessing endocrine disruption
Charles R Tyler1, Anke Lange, Gregory C Paull
1Environmental and Molecular Fish Biology Group, School of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Prince of Wales Road, Exeter, EX4 4PS, United Kingdom. c.r.tyler@ex.ac.uk
Environmental Sciences : an International Journal of Environmental Physiology and Toxicology
|November 3, 2007
Summary
The roach (Rutilus rutilus) is a valuable sentinel species for studying endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in aquatic environments. Research shows EDCs can alter fish reproduction, with feminized male roach observed in UK rivers due to wastewater discharges.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Toxicology
- Aquatic Ecology
- Reproductive Biology
Background:
- Aquatic ecosystems face significant threats from endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) due to widespread chemical disposal.
- Fish, particularly those in aquatic environments, are highly vulnerable to endocrine disruption, impacting development and reproduction.
- The roach (Rutilus rutilus) has been extensively studied for its reproductive biology and sensitivity to EDCs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically analyze the roach as a sentinel species for endocrine disruption research.
- To review the reproductive biology of the roach and its relevance to understanding EDC effects.
- To examine the impact of wastewater treatment works (WWTWs) discharges on roach sexual development.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of existing literature on roach reproductive biology and EDC exposure.
- Review of studies investigating feminization in male roach populations in UK rivers.
- Examination of genetic and genomic resources for roach to understand disruption mechanisms.
Main Results:
- The roach exhibits alterations in sexual development and reproduction following EDC exposure.
- Feminized male roach have been identified in UK rivers, linked to estrogenic compounds from WWTWs.
- Susceptibility and sensitivity of roach to estrogenic EDCs have been addressed, alongside ongoing research into disruption mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- The roach serves as an effective sentinel species for monitoring aquatic environments for endocrine disruption.
- Understanding the biological significance of intersex and sexual disruption in roach is crucial for assessing population-level impacts.
- Further research utilizing genetic and genomic tools is vital for elucidating EDC mechanisms in fish reproduction.
