Alterations in Swimming Performance Signatures of Catfish (clarias Gariepinus) Exposed to Bisphenol a

As plastic use continues to rise exponentially, so does plastic pollution, introducing a range of hazardous substances into ecosystems. Among these contaminants, endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) leached from plastic waste and industrial effluents pose a significant threat to aquatic organisms. The aim of this study was to assess the swimming performance signatures of catfish following exposure to the endocrine-disrupting chemical Bisphenol A(BPA) and the alterations . Following the organization for economic cooperation and development (OECD) guidelines for sublethal testing, fish were exposed to four BPA concentrations (1.25, 2.50, 5.0, and 10.0 mg/L) alongside positive (0.0 mg/L BPA) and negative (1.25 mg/L DMSO) controls under static conditions for 28 days. Videos of the fish movements were recorded and imported into Killnovea software for analysis . Fish exposed to Bisphenol A over 28 days showed a dose-dependent decline in swimming performance, with significant impairments at 2.50 mg/L, 5.0 mg/L, and 10 mg/L. These reductions likely result from BPA-induced disruptions in nervous system function and energy metabolism. Additionally, BPA exposure led to physical alterations, notably thoracic swelling (edema), which became more pronounced at higher concentrations and longer exposure durations. The cumulative nature of these effects suggests prolonged BPA exposure exacerbates physiological stress, increasing vulnerability to predation and potential respiratory impairment. These findings highlight the ecological risks posed by BPA contamination in aquatic environments, emphasizing the need for stricter regulations to mitigate its impact on freshwater species like Clarias gariepinus.