Evidence of altered fertility in female roach (Rutilus rutilus) from the River Seine (France)

A large variety of anthropogenic chemicals present in the aquatic environment have been shown to be able to alter the endocrine system of exposed organisms, potentially impacting their reproductive function. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of environmental pollution on the reproductive system of wild female roach (Rutilus rutilus) from the Seine River (Normandy, France). A suite of biomarkers of endocrine disruption including gonado-somatic index, plasmatic vitellogenin, gonadal aromatase activity and histological parameters (oocyte diameter and gonad maturation) were studied. Female fish from the polluted sites showed a number of reproductive alterations, including inhibited gonad maturation, reduced oocyte growth, reduced levels of plasmatic vitellogenin and 3-fold lower gonadal aromatase activity than females collected in the reference site. Overall, these results highlight the presence of endocrine disruption in female roach from the Seine River. - Highlights: • Biomarkers of endocrine disruption were studied in female roach from Seine River. • Environmental pollutant mixture impacted the reproductive function of wild female roach. • Inhibition of gonad maturation, lower VTG levels and gonadal aromatase activity were observed. - This study shows evidence of reproductive alterations in female roach (Rutilus rutilus) from the Seine River