Molecular mechanism of mercury-induced reproductive impairments in banded gourami, Trichogaster fasciata.

Mercury is one of the key pollutants responsible for the degradation of natural aquatic ecosystems. Among the different forms of mercury that exist in the environment, mercuric chloride (HgCl) is the dominant pollutant for freshwater environments as it is used as an ingredient in antiseptics, disinfectants and preservatives, insecticides, batteries and in metallurgical and photographic operations. Pollutant may exert their action on organisms or populations by affecting their normal endocrine function as well as reproduction.