Long-term effects of embryonic exposure to benzophenone-3 on neurotoxicity and behavior of adult zebrafish

Benzophenone-3 (BP-3) is the most widely used ultraviolet filter (UV filter) in industries to avoid UV radiation damage. BP-3 is added to most sunscreens to protect the skin, hair, and lips from sun rays. It results in continuous discharge into aquatic environments, leading to aquatic biota and human's continuous exposure. Consequences of BP-3 exposure on the physiology and behavior of aquatic animals, mainly zebrafish, have been investigated, including their neurotoxic effects. However, little is known about its consequences in long-term developmental endpoints. This study aimed to investigate the long-term effects of embryonic BP-3 exposure on biomarkers of neurotoxicity in zebrafish. For this, we exposed embryos to 5, 10, and 20 μg∙L−1 BP-3 concentration and let fish grow to adulthood (5mpf). We evaluated anxiety-like behavior, social preference, aggressiveness, and enzymatic activity of the antioxidant defenses system and neurotoxic biomarkers (Glutathione S-transferase -GST, catalase -CAT, and acetylcholinesterase -AChE) in adult zebrafish. Enzymatic activities were also investigated in larvae immediately after BP-3 exposure. Animals early exposed to BP-3 presented anxiety-like behaviors and decreased social preference, but aggressiveness was not altered. In general, exposure to BP-3 leads to altered enzymatic activity, which persists into adulthood. GST activity increased in embryos and adults, while CAT activity decreased in both life stages. AChE activity enhanced only at the larval stage (96 hpf). The long-term behavioral and biochemical effects of BP-3 highlight the need for abolishing or restricting the compound from personal care products, which are continually disposed into the environment and threaten the biota and human health.