Bisphenol Analogs in Aquatic Environments and Their Effects on Marine Species—A Review

Abstract

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.

Can BPA Analogs Affect Cellular and Biochemical Responses in the Microalga Phaeodactylum tricornutum Bohlin?

“…However, our observations of an impairment in the microalgal antioxidant system are in accordance with the bisphenols' capacity to produce ROS, which has been reported in many studies. Indeed, recently, P. tricornutum showed an increase in ROS production for most of the tested bisphenols (BPC, BPS, BPA, BPAF, BPAP, and BPFL) over 72 h at different dosages (5,20,40,80, 150 and 300 µM). In detail, BPAP showed the highest ROS production, followed by BPFL > BPAF > BPA > BPS > BPC [47].…”

“…Regarding the BPF, its toxic classification varies from toxic to harmful for aquatic organisms, with reported EC 50 values that range from 9.2 mg/L to 12.3 mg/L [ 18 , 19 ]. The environmental concentrations of BPA analogs are often in the range of a few ng/L [ 20 ]. However, recent studies have indicated higher concentrations, with levels of hundreds and thousands of ng/L in both fresh and marine environments [ 20 ].…”

“…The environmental concentrations of BPA analogs are often in the range of a few ng/L [ 20 ]. However, recent studies have indicated higher concentrations, with levels of hundreds and thousands of ng/L in both fresh and marine environments [ 20 ]. These values exceed the predicted no-effect concentration (PNEC) of BPA settled by the EU at 1500 ng/L for freshwater and 150 ng/L in marine water [ 21 ].…”