Ecotoxicological impact of the fungicide tebuconazole on fish: a historical review, global trends and challenges.

Tebuconazole (TBZ) is a triazole fungicide broadly used to control fungal diseases in agricultural crops, fruit-bearing plants and forestry plantations. However, its increasing use and release into aquatic environments has raised concerns about its hazardous effects on the health of fish. Thus, the aim of the present study was to review the scientific literature on the ecotoxicological effects of TBZ and TBZ-based commercial formulations on fish. Historical review data (publication year and geographical distribution), TBZ type, experimental design, fish species, habitat, life stage, tissue/organ, lethal concentration (LC50), concentration and exposure time, biomarkers and effects were compiled and critically analyzed. Studies were mainly conducted with freshwater species at adult and larval stages, whereas no data were find for marine fish species. Zebrafish, (Danio rerio) was the most assessed species. Both TBZ and TBZ-based commercial formulations induced oxidative stress, endocrine disruption, neurotoxicity, genotoxicity, histopathologies, behavior impairments and mortality on fish. TBZ can induce synergistic and antagonistic effects on fish when it is combined to other pesticides. Overall, the current study has shown the potential hazardous effects of TBZ and TBZ-based commercial formulations on the health of fish.