Objective: To understand the toxicity of nonylphenol on different fish species.
Methods: Testing the acute toxicity and subchronic toxicity of 4-nonylphenol on Carassius auratus red variety, Grass Carp and Sliver Carp. Counting the number of micronucleus in peripheral blood erythrocytes and detecting the content of 4-nonylphenol accumulated in fish tissue by HPLC.
Results: (1) The LC50 of 4-nonylphenol exposure for 96 h for Carassius auratus red variety, Grass Carp and Sliver Carp were 251.30, 155.84 and 187.01 microg/L, respectively. (2) After the exposure of 4-nonylphenol at a concentration of 25.13 and 18.70 microg/L for 12 weeks, the liver coefficient of Carassius auratus red variety and Grass Carp decreased, and after the exposure at a concentration of 2.51 microg/L the ovary coefficient increased. (3) The micronucleus rates in peripheral blood erythrocytes of Carassius auratus red variety and Grass Carp were significantly higher after 4-nonylphenol exposure for eight weeks with a significant time- and dose-dependent manner. (4) 4-nonylphenol was detected in muscle, brain and liver. The biological concentration coefficient of 4-nonylphenol was higher in Carassius auratus red variety than Grass Carp and Sliver Carp.
Conclusion: Carassius auratus red variety is sensitive to nonylphenols, and can be used as a detector for bio-monitoring the contamination of nonylphenols.