The presence and toxicity of waterborne diuron in aquatic environments pose a severe threat to non-target organisms. However, the chronic impact of diuron in marine fish has been poorly investigated. In this study, we report the chronic effects (30 and 60 days) of environmentally relevant concentrations of diuron (0.1, 1, and 10 μg L-1) on economically important marine fish, red seabream (Pagrus major), and black rockfish (Sebastes schlegelii) by evaluating several parameters, including hormone levels, immunity, hepatic function, and antioxidant defense. Significant decreases in 17β-estradiol and 11-ketotestosterone levels and gonadosomatic index were observed on day 60 in fish exposed to 10 μg L-1 diuron. Parameters of immunity, such as alternative complement activity, lysozyme activity, and total immunoglobulin levels, were significantly lowered by 60-day exposure to 10 μg L-1 diuron in both fish. Significant decreases in the hepatic enzyme activities of alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase were observed with an induction of cortisol on day 60 in fish exposed to 10 μg L-1 diuron. Intracellular malondialdehyde and glutathione levels were significantly increased by 10 μg L-1 diuron at day 60 with an increase in the enzymatic activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase. Overall, black rockfish were more sensitive to diuron than red seabream. These results suggest that consistent exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of diuron is detrimental to the reproduction, immunity, and health of marine fish.
Keywords: Biofoulant; Black rockfish; Ecotoxicity; Long-term exposure; Oxidative stress; Red seabream.
Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.