Inhibition of fertilization in the sea urchin parechinus angulosus by organic pollutants: Correlation with molecular valence connectivity indices

Abstract

The percentage fertilization of eggs of the urchin Parechinus angulosus (Leske), following exposure of the sperm to a variety of organic pollutants, was used to test the possibility of predicting toxicities from a consideration of molecular structure. A correlation is demonstrated between concentrations resulting in 50-per-cent inhibition of fertilization (EC50 or FID50) and the zero, first-order and second-order molecular-valence connectivity indices of the substances concerned. This correlation is more marked when a series of alcohols rather than a variety of non-alcoholic substances is used. A log or power expression best describes the relationship. © 1989 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.