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Updated: Aug 6, 2026
Long-term Behavioral and Reproductive Consequences of Embryonic Exposure to Low-dose Toxicants
Published on: March 6, 2018
Subtle reproductive toxicity of microplastics in Pelteobagrus fulvidraco: Evidence from chronic exposure during
Wenxi Xiang1, Xiang Gong1, Yue Zhu1
1College of Marine Science and Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center for Aquatic Animals Breeding and Green Efficient Aquacultural Technology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Ocean-Land Environmental Change and Ecological Construction, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, China.
Abstract:
Microplastic (MPs) pollution poses a growing ecological threat, yet its sex-specific reproductive effects during gonadal development remain poorly understood. In this study, yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco) at 10 and 90 days post-hatching were chronically exposed to polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) MPs (0.1 and 1.0 mg/L) for 18 and 9 weeks, respectively. No significant effects on survival, sex ratio, body weight, or gonadosomatic index (GSI) were observed, except increased mortality in the 1.0 mg/L PE group. MPs accumulated predominantly in the gills and intestines, with minimal presence in gonads. Testicular tissues showed marked histopathological damage, especially in PE groups. A nonmonotonic dose-response was noted in gonadal development and reproductive gene expression, indicating potential endocrine disruption. No significant effects were observed under short-term exposure. This study highlights sex-specific and stage-dependent reproductive sensitivity to MPs, with males appearing more vulnerable to chronic exposure. Findings offer insights into MPs-related reproductive risks in fish and implications for aquaculture management.
