Combined exposure to environmentally relevant copper and 2,2′-dithiobis-pyridine induces significant reproductive toxicity in male guppy (Poecilia reticulata)

Abstract

Metal pyrithiones (MePTs), the most widely used biocides in antifouling paints (AFs) coated on the hulls, are usually used in combination with Cu-containing substances. In the aquatic environment, 2,2′-dithiobis-pyridine ((PS)2), the main degradation product of MePTs, and Cu usually coexist. However, their combined impacts on aquatic organisms are unclear. This study exposed male guppy (Poecilia reticulata) to an environmentally realistic concentration of Cu (10 μg/L) alone or Cu (10 μg/L) combined with 20, 200, and 2000 ng/L (PS)2 to explore their combined reproductive toxicity. The results showed that co-exposure to Cu and (PS)2 increased Cu accumulation in the fish body in a dose-dependent manner and induced obvious spermatozoon apoptosis and necrosis, which was mediated by the peroxidation and caspase activation. Compared to Cu alone, co-exposure to Cu and 200, 2000 ng/L (PS)2 significantly decreased the testosterone level and collapsed spermatogenesis, and depressed male's sexual interest and mating behavior were observed in three co-exposure groups. Moreover, co-exposure to Cu and (PS)2 increased the disturbance on cyp19a and cyp19b transcription and suppressed the “display” reproductive behavior. Eventually, co-exposure to Cu and (PS)2 caused male reproductive failure. Therefore, the concurrence of Cu and (PS)2 induced significant reproductive toxicity in male guppies and would threaten the sustainability of fish populations. Considering the extensive usage of MePTs products in the AFs, their ecological risk warrants more evaluation.