Transcriptomic profiles of brains in juvenile Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) exposed to pharmaceuticals and personal care products

The global increase in the use of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) raises concern for aquatic biota who are frequently exposed pseudopersistently in marine systems through wastewater treatment plant effluent discharge. The toxic effects of mixtures of PPCPs in marine systems is largely unknown, particularly in native fish species. Juvenile Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) were exposed, in situ, for one month in cages throughout a fjord in Norway. Transcriptomic profiling was conducted in brains of exposed males and females to assess the influence of PPCPs on fish health following chronic exposure.