Detection of endocrine disrupting chemicals in Danio rerio and Daphnia pulex: Step-one, behavioral screen

Anthropogenic surface and ground water contamination by chemicals is a global problem, there an urgent need to develop tools identify elucidate biological effects. Contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) are not typically monitored or regulated those with known suspected endocrine disrupting potential have been termed (EDCs). Many CECs be neurotoxic (e.g., insecticides) many incompletely characterized. Behavioral responses can neuroactive properties, which relevant EDC mechanisms neuroendocrine disturbances). Two freshwater species, Daphnia pulex Danio rerio, were evaluated for swimming behavior alterations resulting from 24-hr exposure 9 CECs: triclosan, triclocarban, chlorpyrifos, dieldrin, 4-nonylphenol, bisphenol-A, atrazine, metformin, estrone. This the first step in development bioassay detecting estrogenic and/or anti-androgenic activity goal evaluate complex mixtures uncharacterized contaminants samples. The second step, described subsequent report, examines transcriptome following chemical exposure. Significant differences response sensitivity found across within species given this unique optical system. In concentration ranges studied, significant behavioral detected 6 D. 4 rerio. These results underscore utility effects sublethal concentrations before exploration transcriptomic detection.