Meeting Abstract

P3-30   -   Exposure to BPF Leads to Developmental and Cardiovascular Abnormalities in Zebrafish Wheaton, LM*; Furimsky, MM; Westminster College, PA; Westminster College, PA whealm22@westminster.edu

The widespread use of plastics has increased the abundance of microplastics in aquatic ecosystems, the soil and air, releasing chemical components such as bisphenols. Investigations have highlighted the harmful effects of bisphenol A (BPA) in humans as well as the environment following the discovery of trace amounts of the chemical in both aquatic ecosystems as well as in the human body. The widespread restriction of the use of BPA has led to a surge in the use of bisphenol alternatives, such as bisphenol F (BPF). To investigate the effects of BPF in aquatic ecosystems, zebrafish were used as a model aquatic vertebrate. Embryos were exposed to different concentrations of BPF (0, 0.00000249, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03 and 0.04 mM) at different developmental time points and with chorion left intact or removed. Embryos were examined then monitored for different developmental and physiological variables using microscopy. BPF exposure at higher concentrations caused an increase in mortality and a decreased hatch rate. Developmental abnormalities observed included lack of pigmentation, spinal deformation, and failed swim bladder inflation. Cardiovascular system abnormalities including decreased heart rate and the appearance of an atypical phenotype in the vasculature at varying concentrations and exposure times. These findings further support the idea that BPF is toxic in aquatic environments, has harmful effects on the development of aquatic vertebrates, and is not a safe alternative to BPA. Further use of this toxic product could lead to more environmental disruption and harmful effects in the future.