Low concentrations of glyphosate-based herbicide cause complete loss of sperm motility of yellowtail tetra fish Astyanax lacustris

Abstract

Environmental relevant concentrations of glyphosate-based herbicide as 50 µg l−1, 300 µg l−1 and 1800 µg l−1 can affect sperm quality of yellowtail tetra fish Astyanax lacustris. Viability of sperm cells was impaired at 300 µg l−1, a concentration that is within legal limits in U.S.A. waterbodies, while motility was impaired at 50 µg l−1, which is the more stringent limit set in Brazilian law. Therefore, environment protection agencies must review regulations of glyphosate-based herbicides on water bodies.