A long-term toxicity test comprising reproduction and growth of zebrafish with 4-chloroaniline

This study describes a long-term test over three generations, using zebrafish (Brachydanio rerio) as the test species and concentrations of 1, 0.2, and 0.04 mg/L 4-chloroaniline (CA) as a model substance. The effect of the compound on the ecologically important parameters reproduction and growth was the focus of interest. Reduction in egg release by fish raised under CA was the most sensitive parameter in the test. Compared to the toxic threshold concentration for growth (0.4 mg/L), egg release was affected by a ten-fold lower concentration (0.04 mg/L). This study demonstrates that a long-term test is still the most appropriate method to assess the chronic toxicity of a substance on fish. A chronic toxicity test is proposed which comprises two generations, with the zebrafish as test species.