Development of Crassostrea gigas Larvae is Affected by 4-nonylphenol

Nonylphenol is a known endocrine disrupter that is widespread in the aquatic environment. In this investigation, the Pacific Oyster, Crassostrea gigas (Thunberg), a marine invertebrate widely used in standard pollution bioassays, was exposed to a range of concentrations of 4-nonylphenol (0.1, 1, 10, 100, 1000 and 10 000 μg/l). Development of C. gigas to a particular larval stage (D-shape) was monitored over a 72 h time period at eight-hourly intervals. 4-nonylphenol delayed development to D-shape and caused a significant decrease in survival rate. In addition a growth abnormality was observed.