Glyphosate is the active ingredient of numerous commercial formulations of herbicides applied in different sectors, from agriculture to aquaculture. Due to its widespread use around the world, relatively high concentrations of glyphosate have been detected in soil and aquatic environments. The presence of glyphosate in aquatic ecosystems has aroused the attention of researchers because of its potential negative effects on living organisms, both animals and plants. In this context, this review intends to summarize results of studies aimed at evaluating the effects of glyphosate (both as active ingredient and component of commercial formulations) on marine invertebrates. Generally, data obtained in acute toxicity tests indicate that glyphosate and its commercial formulations are lethal at high concentrations (not environmentally realistic), whereas results of long-lasting experiments indicate that glyphosate can markedly affect biological responses of marine invertebrates. Consequently, more efforts should be addressed at evaluating chronic or sub-chronic effects of such substances to marine invertebrate species.
Bisphenol A analogs are currently used in manufacturing and as plasticizers as a substitute for bisphenol A. This replacement is taking place because bisphenol A is recognized as an endocrine disruptor chemical (EDC) that can also cause oxidative stress and genotoxic effects in aquatic species. Bisphenol A analogs have a similar chemical structure to BPA, raising doubts about their use as safer substitutes. This review intends to summarize the concentrations of BPA analogs found in aquatic environments and the effects of these emerging compounds on marine species. Generally, studies indicate that BPA analogs have similar effects to their precursor, altering the neuroendocrine system in several marine species. Furthermore, BPA analogs can cause oxidative stress and developmental alterations. The available information on the biological effects of BPA analogs suggests that more effort should be performed to assess the effects of these compounds in marine organisms.
Bisphenol A is recognized as an endocrine disruptor that can affect several biological processes in marine species. Consequently, its use has been restricted and it has been replaced with other similar compounds named bisphenol A analogues (BPA analogues). BPA analogues are speculatively considered safer compounds than BPA and their usage is increasing with a consequent higher environmental release. In this study, specimens of the clam Ruditapes philippinarum were exposed to three main BPA analogues, namely BPAF, BPF, BPS and their mixture at an environmentally relevant concentration of 300 ng/L for 7 and 14 days. Effects on biomarkers indicative of cytotoxicity, oxidative stress and damage and neurotoxicity were evaluated. In addition, bioaccumulation of the compound tested was analysed in clam soft tissues. Results showed that BPA analogues at an environment concentration affected cellular parameters and antioxidant system causing also oxidative damage, suggesting that BPA analogues can be harmful compounds for clams.
Bisphenol A (BPA) analogues are emerging contaminants, whose ecotoxicological profile for aquatic species, particularly marine ones, is little known. In this study, the effects of an environmentally realistic concentration (300 ng/L) of three BPA analogues (BPAF, BPF, and BPS) - alone or as a mixture (MIX) - were evaluated for the first time on the crab Carcinus aestuarii. A multibiomarker approach was adopted to assess the effects of 7 and 14 days of exposure on haemolymph parameters, gill and hepatopancreas biochemical parameters, and physiological responses of crabs. Bioaccumulation of the three bisphenols was also investigated in crabs by UHPLC-HRMS. A significant reduction in total haemocyte counts was recorded in crabs exposed for 7 days to BPAF and MIX and for 14 days to the MIX, whereas an increase was found in crabs treated for 14 days with BPAF. Cell proliferation increased significantly in crabs exposed for 14 days to BPS and MIX. An imbalance of the antioxidant system, as well as oxidative damage, was recorded in gills and hepatopancreas. No neurotoxic effects were observed in crabs. At the physiological level, exposure to MIX increased the respiration rate of crabs. As for bioaccumulation, only bisphenol AF was detected in crabs. Overall, the present study demonstrated that BPA analogues can affect some important cellular parameters, induce oxidative stress and alter physiological responses in crabs.