Gonad Histology of Oreochromis niloticus in Relation to Potential Endocrine-Disrupting Phenolic Compounds in Sampaloc Lake

Abstract

Endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs), which include phenols, are known to elicit reproductive irregularities in fish. Domestic wastes channeled in Sampaloc Lake contain phenolic compounds that may be related to the variations in the gonad histology of Oreochromis niloticus cultured in the lake. Fish specimens were sampled from five different sites within the Sampaloc Lake and from a non-polluted, man-made fishpond in BFAR Bay, Laguna. The gonado- somatic indices (GSI) and relative abundance of gametes at different stages were measured among male and female specimens. The group from Sampaloc Lake showed higher GSI, early gonad maturation in females, and irregular spermatogenesis and tubular wall distention in males. Such indications of early reproductive maturation among the tilapia specimens in Sampaloc Lake can be associated with the high levels of phenolic compounds in the lake.