Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

PREVALENCE OF XENOESTROGEN IN MUSCLE TISSUES OFEDIBLE FIN AND SHELL FISH COLLECTED FROM LOCAL FISHMARKET IN MUMBAI, INDIA

Hitesh U. Shingadia

Abstract

The uptake of noxious waste transpires directly from surrounding marine water across the absorptivebody surface and from food in conjunction with the seawater to finally into the alimentary canal of theaquatic organisms. Xenoestrogen are often associated with sewage outfalls and industrial sites. Recentstudies also suggest that the public may be exposed to BPA (Bisphenol A) by handling cash register receiptsapart from plethora of sources. Phthalate esters are widely used plasticizers that are present in many dailyused products. Fishes and various other invertebrates have been widely documented as bio-indicators ofpollution and have been investigated to estimate the health of the environment. The bioavailability of variousxenoestrogen compounds is a key factor in of concern in tissues of aquatic biota. Researchers have raisedconcern as some laboratory animal studies report subtle developmental effects in fetuses and newbornsexposed to low doses of BPA. The widespread use of phthalates makes them almost ubiquitous and thus,the issues about their long-term effects on human health are of great concern. The aim of this study was tosurvey the actual presence of xenoestrogens in muscle tissue of few of the edible variety of fishes ofcommercial significance. In the present study the actual presence of the suspected endocrine disrupterMonomthylpthalate in 12-51 ng/g & Bisphenol A (BPA) in 5 to 68 ng/g in the muscle tissue of finfish andmonomthylothalate in 18-26 ng/g & BPA in 8 to 36 ng/g in the muscle tissue of shell fish. Based on thepresent measured concentrations in the edible muscle tissues and on literature derived toxicity data it wasconcluded that neither eco-toxicological effects nor estrogenic effects are likely to occur in the presentsituation. The bottom dwelling organisms predominantly devour upon the benthic fauna which mighthave accumulated variety of xenoestrogens that was absorbed by the sediment since BPA, justify itsoccurrence. Safe disposal of industrial effluents, domestic sewage and navigational activities should bepracticed in harmony with nature and enforcement of laws be enacted to protect our marine environmentand/or, recycled to circumvent these contaminants from entering into the marine environment.