Imposex in Thais gradata and Chicoreus capucinus (Mollusca, Neogastropoda, Muricidae) from the Straits of Johor: A Case Study using Penis Length, Area and Weight as Measures of Imposex Severity

Imposex, or the presence of a pseudopenis in female snails, is quantified by comparing the length of the female pseudopenis with the male penis. However, many muricid gastropods in the Malayan archipelago possess penes that are flagellate and coiled, making linear measurement difficult under the microscope. In addition, it is unclear if penis length is dependent on shell size. Accurate assessment of penis size is a necessary step towards determining the severity of imposex (and implicitly, the amount of organotins from antifouling paints that is associated with this phenomenon). Two mangrove muricid gastropod species, Thais gradata and Chicoreus capucinus, were collected from six sites along the Johor Straits. Penis/pseudopenis length and area measurements based on digitalized camera lucida drawings were generally well correlated with penis/pseudopenis dry weight, although penis area appeared to be a marginally better variable than penis length for T. gradata. Penis dry weight was also well correlated with shell height in male T. gradata, while no significant correlation was detected for female T. gradata, suggesting pseudopenis size alone may be a better measure of imposex than the relative penis size index (RPSI) for this species. There was no obvious relationship between penis size and shell height for either sex in C. capucinus.     

Imposex in the indigenous Nassarius kraussianus (Mollusca: Neogastropoda) from South African harbours

Nassarius kraussianus populations in the Durban and Richards Bay harbours (along the eastern seaboard of southern Africa) and in the Knysna lagoon (southern Cape coast) showed imposex development, confirming bioavailability of tributyltin (TBT) in these waterways. Incidence of imposex (which ranged from 29% to 100%) and relative penis length of females (RPL; which ranged from 1.3% to 55.2%) were markedly variable among populations from different sites in each waterway, indicative of localised effects of TBT contamination. Shell length of the snails was apparently not correlated with contamination level, as assessed from imposex measurements. While population imposex features are easy to determine and often provide a sensitive biomarker of TBT exposure, the discussion outlines reservations when extrapolating these to general ecological situations. Additionally, this study represents the first published report on the topic for sub-Saharan, African harbours, some of which seem remarkably less affected than suggested for other world regions.     

Imposex in Three Marine Gastropod Species in Chile and Potential Impact on Muriciculture

A survey of imposex was conducted between the Bay of San Vicente, Concepción, Chile (36° 50′) and the Bay of Renocavi, Puerto Montt, Chile (41° 35′), to determine if imposex is occurring in an area of collection and cultivation of the gastropod, Chorus giganteus. Imposex was recorded in three chilean muricids C. giganteus, Xanthochorus cassidiformis and Nucella crassilabrum complex. Percentage of imposex in females sampled ranged from 0% to 100%. The degree of expression of imposex was not so severe as to elicit sterility in the individuals surveyed. Incidence of imposex was as high as 47% in areas of harvest of C. giganteus for reproductive and cultivation studies for commercial production of this species. A six percent incidence of imposex was observed in Nucella proximal to the facility for cultivation of C. giganteus. Gastropods of the genus Nucella are used in other countries to monitor incidence of imposex and have demonstrated sensitivity toward tributyltin (TBT), the associated causal agent. Since sex of individuals in muriciculture is determined by the presence or absence of a penis, imposex may lead to erroneous classification of males and females. The incidence and severity of imposex in C. giganteus and related species may have a negative impact on sustainable cultivation and harvest of gastropods in Chile.     

Spatial and temporal changes of TBT pollution along the Portuguese coast: inefficacy of the EEC directive 89/677

Nucella lapillus imposex (superimposition of male characters onto prosobranch females) and organotin body burden were surveyed in the Portuguese coast in 1997 and 2000. Time comparisons of the available data on Nucella lapillus imposex in the Portuguese coast indicate a global increase of TBT pollution in recent years, revealing the inefficacy of the 1993 legislation that bans the use of TBT paints on small boats (<25 m). The absence or scarcity of the species inside harbours, which are the most polluted sites in Portugal, is probably a consequence of extinction due to female sterilisation by TBT.     

Tributyltin in scottish sea lochs,as indicated by degree of imposex in the dogwhelk,Nucella lapillus (L.)

The development of male characteristics (termed imposex) in females of the dogwhelk Nucella lapillus is a sensitive indicator of tributyltin contamination. In Lochs Crinan, Laxford and Sween on the west coast of Scotland, observations of this effect and of the accumulation of tin in female dogwhelks have identified areas of contamination associated with seasonal small boat activity and salmon cage farms.     

Incidence of imposex in thais orbita from Port Phillip Bay (Victoria, Australia), following 10 years of regulation on use of TBT.

Imposex, the phenomenon in which induced male sex characteristics are superimposed on normal females, still occurs widely in the gastropod Thais orbita from Port Philip Bay, and its incidence is greatest in areas that have high boating and shipping activities. Compared to 1992, both the extent and severity of imposex has reduced. By inference, this means that pollution by tributyltin (TBT) in Port Phillip Bay has decreased and that the bans limiting its use to vessels greater than 25 m in length, in place since 1989, have been effective. However, TBT pollution is still an issue at locations that are adjacent to major ports, such as the Port of Melbourne, where TBT from large ships and ship maintenance activities continues to pollute fish habitats. It is anticipated that the incidence of imposex, and therefore TBT pollution, will continue to decrease in Port Phillip Bay as long as the bans currently in place continue to be observed. If the trends observed in the present study continue, then it is unlikely, with the notable exception of commercial ports, that TBT will pose a threat to the health of fish habitats in Port Phillip Bay.     

Effects of a candidate antifouling compound (medetomidine) on pheromone induced mate search in the amphipod Corophium volutator

Environmental hazards associated with traditional, toxic antifouling coatings based on heavy metals calls for the development of alternative, environmentally acceptable antifouling compounds. Medetomidine ((±)-4-[1-(2,3-dimethylphenyl)ethyl]-1H-imidazole) is a candidate antifouling biocide which impedes settlement of barnacles in the nanomolar range. Prior to introducing novel biocides it is of great importance to consider potential effects on non-target organisms. This study is the first to investigate the effects of medetomidine on the amphipod Corophium volutator, specifically effects on male mate search behaviour. In a laboratory, Y-maze bioassay, C. volutator males were allowed to follow female pheromones after 24 h exposure to 0 (control), 0.01 and 0.1 μg mL⁻¹ medetomidine. We found that exposure to medetomidine at both concentrations significantly reduced pheromone induced mate search (by 42–71%), with fewer males crawling towards female odour. The results obtained indicate that medetomidine may impair the reproductive fitness of non-target crustaceans, an aspect that needs to be considered before further commercialisation.     

Occurrence and effects of organotins on adult common whelk (Buccinum undatum) (Mollusca, Gastropoda) in harbours and in a simulated dredging situation.

Transplanted common whelk (Buccinum undatum) (Mollusca, Gastropoda) accumulated fairly high levels of organotins (tributyltin (TBT) and triphenyltin (TPT)) during exposure in three harbours with different TBT contamination. This did not though lead to an increase in imposex frequency in the adult females studied. Simulating harbour dredging in an experiment using suspended sediment from one of the harbours only resulted in a low concentration of TBT in the tissues of the common whelk and subsequently no changes in the occurrence and degree of imposex. The common whelk seemed to receive the main part of TBT from the water column and the limited bioaccumulation in the experiment indicates that desorption of TBT from the suspended sediment was slow. After TBT has been totally banned, dredging of contaminated sediments will cause increased exposure of the biota to TBT. Due to slow desorption the increase may however, be slight and temporary to pelagic and epibenthic species unless the settled particles are resuspended.     

Seasonal changes in imposex and tissue burden of butyltin compounds in Thais clavigera populations along the coastal area of Mirs Bay, China

We assessed the current status of tributyltin (TBT) contamination of Thais clavigera (Gastropoda) along the coastal area of Mirs Bay, China for the first time. The snail samples were collected from 10 different sites in the summer (June) and winter (December) of 2006, respectively. They were analyzed for imposex status, i.e. relative penis size index (RPSI) and vas deferens sequence index (VDSI), followed by quantification of butyltins in their tissues. Most of the collected females suffered from imposex, but the level of butyltin contamination varied with the distance from Yantian Port, which is currently the fourth busiest container port in the world. The tissue concentration of TBT varied with season. For a particular site, the winter samples in general contained much higher concentration of TBT than the summer samples. RPSI, VDSI and organotin concentrations were higher in T. clavigera collected from sites closer to the Port, such as the Seafood Street and Kat O. Both RPSI and VDSI were positively correlated with the tissue burden of tributyltin. VDSI exhibited little seasonal variability, whereas RPSI showed marked seasonal variability, with lower values in the summer samples. The current results will serve as an important reference for long-term monitoring of butyltin contamination in this area.     

Life history and temporal distribution of Orchestia sp. cf. cavimana (Amphipoda, Talitridae) on a lake shore in central Italy

The life history of the amphipod Orchestia sp. cf. cavimana (Heller, 1865) was studied throughout the course of a year with monthly samplings and the use of pitfall traps along the shores of Lake Albano in central Italy. The data thus obtained showed two peaks in abundance (the first in June and the second in October) and a minimum capture frequency in February. Egg-bearing females were recorded in spring and late summer, whilst recruitment occurred from spring to autumn, with maximum in June and October. The data collected also indicated the presence of a positive correlation between the abundance of talitrids and both temperature and sediment moisture. Morphological analysis enabled the identification of four different cohorts (with a lifespan of the species of approximately 12–15 months) all four of which remained distinguishable throughout the course of the year. It, moreover, enabled sex determination in individuals of 5 or more millimetres. The subsequent distribution indicated that, when significant, the sex ratio was female biased and that maximum size was greater in males. In particular, maximum sizes were recorded in spring for both males and females and were of 17.5 and 13.0 mm, respectively. Furthermore, the total body length recorded for egg-bearing females was positively correlated with the number of eggs in their brood pouch.     

Seasonal changes in imposex and tissue burden of butyltin compounds in Thais clavigera populations along the coastal area of Mirs Bay,China

We assessed the current status of tributyltin (TBT) contamination of Thais clavigera (Gastropoda) along the coastal area of Mirs Bay, China for the first time. The snail samples were collected from 10 different sites in the summer (June) and winter (December) of 2006, respectively. They were analyzed for imposex status, i.e. relative penis size index (RPSI) and vas deferens sequence index (VDSI), followed by quantification of butyltins in their tissues. Most of the collected females suffered from imposex, but the level of butyltin contamination varied with the distance from Yantian Port, which is currently the fourth busiest container port in the world. The tissue concentration of TBT varied with season. For a particular site, the winter samples in general contained much higher concentration of TBT than the summer samples. RPSI, VDSI and organotin concentrations were higher in T. clavigera collected from sites closer to the Port, such as the Seafood Street and Kat O. Both RPSI and VDSI were positively correlated with the tissue burden of tributyltin. VDSI exhibited little seasonal variability, whereas RPSI showed marked seasonal variability, with lower values in the summer samples. The current results will serve as an important reference for long-term monitoring of butyltin contamination in this area.     

Butyltin compounds,sterility and imposex assessment in Nassarius reticulatus (Linnaeus, 1758), prior to the 2008 European ban on TBT antifouling paints,within Basque ports and along coastal areas

Levels of imposex (superimposition of male characters, upon females) and the presence of sterile females are assessed in the gastropod Nassarius reticulatus (L.), at 35 locations in the Basque Country. At 18 of these localities, organotin bioaccumulation (tributyltin (TBT); dibutyltin; monobutyltin) was evaluated, using isotope dilution GC–ICP–MS. Higher imposex levels and TBT body burden were found in confined harbours, with large vessel traffic or the presence of an offshore fleet. The highest values were found for the port of Pasaia, near to a shipyard (a relative penis size index of up to 92%, and TBT body burden up to 405 ng g^?1 – given on a dry weight basis as Sn). Imposex effects were evaluated also in parasitized females, at some of the sampling sites. The percentage of presence of c-type Vas Deferens sequence stages (i.e., with vas deferens beginning at the oviduct opening) was higher in parasitized females. In turn, there was an absence of highly convoluted oviduct in parasitized females.     

Biomonitoring of TBT contamination and imposex incidence along 4700 km of Argentinean shoreline (SW Atlantic: From 38S to 54S)

The imposex incidence and TBT pollution were investigated along 4,700 km of Argentinean coast, including city harbors and proximal zones without marine traffic. We analyzed 1805 individuals from 12 gastropod species, including families Volutidae, Muricidae, Nassariidea, Calyptraidae, Marginellidae, and Buccinidae, and found the imposex phenomenon for the first time in six species. In high marine traffic zones, TBT pollution was registered and the percentage of imposex was high, while these occurrences were null in areas without boat traffic. The species that best reflect the degree of imposex were those inhabiting sandy/muddy or mixed bottoms. TBT determination and imposex incidence indicate that pollution was focused only in ports with high marine traffic or in areas where ship hulls are painted. This is the first report of an imposex-sediment approach to evaluate organotin contamination along the coast of a South American country.     

Assessing the spatial variability,level and source of organic chemical contaminants in bivalve fishing grounds on the Galician coast (NW Spain)

Polychlorinated biphenyls, organochlorine pesticides, organotin compounds and triazines were quantified in sediments and bivalves collected in four areas on the Galician coast. One or several species were analysed at each site depending on their availability, including mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis), cockles (Cerastoderma edule), clams (Venerupis pullastra and Ruditapes decussatus) and razor shells (Ensis siliqua). The general spatial distribution of contaminants was consistent in spite of the different sources of contamination. High inter-species variability was also observed. M. galloprovincialis and V. pullastra showed the highest levels of contaminants and intra-spatial variability, which highlights them as suitable species to be used as sentinel organisms. The area of O Burgo showed some worrisome results: PCB sediment concentrations were within the range that could cause biological effects. Also the level of heptachlor observed in V. pullastra was above limits accepted on edible seafood. Finally TBT concentration in mussels correlated with concentrations causing imposex in snails.     

Spatio-temporal comparisons of imposex status and tissue organotin concentration in the whelk Reishia clavigera collected along the coasts of Dapeng Bay and Daya Bay,Shenzhen, China

Organotin compounds (OTs) have caused widespread adverse effects on marine organisms. As no local restrictions on OT-based antifouling paints have been implemented in China, high concentrations of OTs still occur in coastal environments. In this study, we measured the imposex status and tissue concentrations of OTs in the whelk Reishia clavigera collected along the coast of Dapeng Bay and Daya Bay of Shenzhen, China in 2013. Our results showed that all female whelks suffered from the onset of imposex. The highest concentration of total OTs was 27,756 μg kg⁻¹ dry weight in the samples collected from Shuitousha. Triphenyltin was the most predominant residue, accounting for more than 97.8% of total OTs across all sites. Compared with the results from previous studies, the marine environment of this region is still heavily contaminated with OTs. Therefore, a tightened control is necessary to regulate the use and release of OTs in China.     

Seasonal changes in imposex and tissue burden of butyltin compounds in Thais clavigera populations along the coastal area of Mirs Bay, China

We assessed the current status of tributyltin (TBT) contamination of Thais clavigera (Gastropoda) along the coastal area of Mirs Bay, China for the first time. The snail samples were collected from 10 different sites in the summer (June) and winter (December) of 2006, respectively. They were analyzed for imposex status, i.e. relative penis size index (RPSI) and vas deferens sequence index (VDSI), followed by quantification of butyltins in their tissues. Most of the collected females suffered from imposex, but the level of butyltin contamination varied with the distance from Yantian Port, which is currently the fourth busiest container port in the world. The tissue concentration of TBT varied with season. For a particular site, the winter samples in general contained much higher concentration of TBT than the summer samples. RPSI, VDSI and organotin concentrations were higher in T. clavigera collected from sites closer to the Port, such as the Seafood Street and Kat O. Both RPSI and VDSI were positively correlated with the tissue burden of tributyltin. VDSI exhibited little seasonal variability, whereas RPSI showed marked seasonal variability, with lower values in the summer samples. The current results will serve as an important reference for long-term monitoring of butyltin contamination in this area.     

Imposex levels and concentrations of organotin compounds (TBT and its metabolites) in Nassarius nitidus from the Lagoon of Venice

Specimens of Nassarius nitidus were collected in seven stations of the Venice Lagoon to assess the levels of tributyltin (TBT) and its metabolites monobutyltin and dibutyltin in the tissues and monitor their effect on organisms, in particular the phenomenon of imposex (superimposition of male sexual characteristics on females). The following values of population indices were found: vas deferens sequence: 1.2+/-0.7-4.0+/-0.5; relative penis length: 6-47%. The least impacted station was situated in the northern part of the Lagoon, where females without imposex were found and Butyltin (BuTs) concentrations in the organisms (average sum of BuTs=43+/-14 ngSng(-1)w.) were significantly lower than in the other stations (range of average sum of BuTs: 101+/-22-217+/-27 ngSng(-1)d.w.). Population indices were found to be related to the TBT content in the tissues. In particular VDSI had a significant logarithmic correlation: r=0.95, n=8, p<0.05.     

Chemical Signals in Fishes: Theory and Application

In this paper, a comprehensive survey is presented of the state of knowledge of the occurrence, chemical structure elucidation and biological importance of pheromones in fishes: fright and alarm substances, male and female sexual pheromones, intrasexual stimulants, school formation, social structure and individual recognition, pheromones and fish migration. Especially treated are the problems connected with the chemoreception under changed environmental conditions as well as the possibilities of utilizing pheromones or substances with a similar effect in fishery.