Bisphenol A and its substitutes in the aquatic environment: Occurrence and toxicity assessment

Bisphenol A is classified as a high production volume chemical commonly used in the manufacture of poly-carbonate plastics, epoxy resins and thermal paper. The endocrine disrupting properties of this xenobiotic have led to the restriction and prohibition of its use in many consumer products. To date, many chemical compounds with a chemical structure similar to bisphenol A have been used in consumer products as its replacement. The ubiquitous occurrence of bisphenol A and its substitutes in the environment and their endocrine activity as well as adverse effects on aquatic organisms is a global concern, especially because many available literature reports show that many substitutes (e.g. bisphenol AF, bisphenol AP, bisphenol B, bisphenol C, bisphenol F, bisphenol G, bisphenol FL, tetrabromobisphenol A) exert adverse effects on aquatic organisms, similar to, or even stronger than bisphenol A. Therefore, the objective of this paper is to provide a comprehensive overview of the pro-duction, sources, occurrence and associated toxicity, as well as the endocrine activity of bisphenol A and its substitutes on aquatic species. The environmental levels and ecotoxicological data presented in this review allowed for a preliminary assessment and prediction of the risk of bisphenol A and its substitutes for aquatic organisms. Furthermore, the data collected in this paper highlight that several compounds applied in bisphenol A-free products are not safe alternatives and regulations regarding their use should be introduced.

Automated summary

Bisphenol A is a widely used chemical in the manufacture of plastics and paper, but its endocrine disrupting properties have led to restrictions in many consumer products. Many compounds similar to Bisphenol A have been used as replacements, but they also have adverse effects on aquatic organisms. This paper provides an overview of the production, sources, occurrence, toxicity, and endocrine activity of Bisphenol A and its substitutes, highlighting the need for regulations on their use.