Organophosphate-based flame retardant (tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate) reduces fecundity and impairs embryonic development in marine invertebrates

Context. It is important to understand how marine invertebrates may be affected by tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCIPP), as an organophosphorus flame retardant. Aim. The present research verified the hypothesis that TDCIPP would adversely affect the growth, development and reproduction of Crepidula onyx (phylum Mollusca) and Tigriopus japonicus (phylum Arthropoda). Methods. Effects of chronic exposure for the whole life cycle were examined at two concentrations of TDCIPP chosen on the basis of results from preliminary range-finding test. Key results. Exposure to 1 and 10 mu g L-1 of TDCIPP significantly reduced larval and juvenile survival rate and shell length in C. onyx. TDCIPP caused adverse reproductive effects, including abnormal embryonic development, which led to non-viable broods and the malformation of larvae. Exposure to TDCIPP resulted in a 100-fold increase in incidence rate of abnormal larva formation. In T. japonicus, exposure to TDCIPP (10 mu g L-1) resulted in nonviable broods and a significant reduction in the number of eggs and number of nauplii. Conclusions. Larval survival, larval growth, fecundity, and embryonic development were identified as the TDCIPP-affected ecological endpoints in the marine invertebrate C. onyx and T. japonicus. Implications. From a management perspective, these results can help us assess the ecological risk posed by TDCIPP.