The metabolism of phenol and substituted phenols in zebra fish

Abstract

1. The metabolism of five phenols in zebra fish was studied after uptake from the medium. The results showed no qualitative differences to other Cyprinid fish species, only the oxidation rate seemed to be lower.

2. Phenyl glucuronide, phenyl sulphate, and quinol sulphate were identified as metabolites of phenol.

3. Identified metabolites of 2-cresol were 2-cresyl glucuronide, 2-cresyl sulphate, and 2-hydroxybenzoic acid in trace amounts.

4. Only the glucuronide and sulphate conjugates were detected as metabolites of 4-nitrophenol, 4-chlorophenol, and pentachlorophenol.