Migration of nonylphenol from food-grade plastic is toxic to the coral reef fish species Pseudochromis fridmani

Chemosphere. 2015 Nov:139:223-8. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2015.06.032. Epub 2015 Jun 29.

Abstract

Nonylphenol (NP) is a non-ionic surfactant used extensively in industrial applications, personal care products, and many plastics. We exposed marine orchid dottybacks (Pseudochromis fridmani) for 48h to either glass, Teflon, or two bags labeled as FDA food-grade polyethylene (PE1 and PE2) from different manufacturers. The PE2 bags leached high levels of NP into the contact water, which were taken up by the fish, and decreased short and long-term survival. Concentrations of NP that leached from the bags were consistent with 96h LC50 values determined in this study, indicating NP is the likely toxic agent. Despite being similarly labeled, the NP concentrations that leached from the bags and the resultant toxicity to the fish varied dramatically between manufacturers. This study highlights that some plastics, labeled as food-safe, can be highly toxic to aquatic animals, and could pose a greater threat to humans than previously realized. This study also highlights risks for aquatic animals exposed to increasing quantities of plastic waste.

Keywords: Marine orchid dottyback; Nonylphenol; Plastic contaminants.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Coral Reefs
  • Fishes*
  • Phenols* / chemistry
  • Phenols* / toxicity
  • Plastics / chemistry*
  • Surface-Active Agents* / chemistry
  • Surface-Active Agents* / toxicity
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical* / chemistry
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical* / toxicity

Substances

  • Phenols
  • Plastics
  • Surface-Active Agents
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical
  • nonylphenol