A single exposure to sub-lethal concentrations of a glyphosate-based herbicide or fluoxetine-based agent on growth performance in Nile tilapia

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to determine e whether a single acute 96 hr exposure of a glyphosate-based herbicide (GBH) to Nile tilapia fingerlings affected growth performance during the first 90 days of culture. This association was considered as GBH increases serotoninergic activity that affect fish anorexically. Although these findings were based upon chronic investigations, this study was designed to examine whether a single, acute, but excessive concentration GBH might impair growth performance in fish. In parallel, fish were also exposed to fluoxetine (FLU), a drug that selectively inhibits the reuptake of serotonin in brain synapses, leading to increased serotoninergic activity. Data demonstrated a decreased growth performance in fingerlings exposed to GBH or FLU compared to unexposed fingerlings. In fact, FLU-exposed fingerlings exhibited lower average weight and length, diminished weight gain, which resulted in lower final biomass. GBH-exposed fish, despite displaying a lower mean body weight, exhibited a biomass similar to biomass on controls. These body weight differences were noted after 30–60- and 90-day growth period in clean water. In an aquaculture context, these observed changes may be considered harmful to the production or economic performance of large-scale farming as currently practiced in tilapia farming.