Development and application of a sublethal toxicity test to PAH using marine harpacticoid copepods. Final report
This research project was designed to improve the understanding of the acute and sublethal effects of PAHs to benthic invertebrates. Sublethal bioassay protocols for benthic harpacticoid copepods were developed, and two species of harpacticoids were exposed to a range of concentrations of sediment-amended PAHs; the single compounds fluoranthene and phenanthrene as well as a complex mixture (diesel fuel). The harpacticoid copepods Schizopera knabeni and Nitocra lacustris were tested using several bioassay approaches. Reproductive assays, feeding assays and avoidance tests were conducted in addition to lethal tests for S. knabeni. Species-specific differences in sensitivity were detected. Early life history stages were much more sensitive than adults in one species but not in the other. Concentrations of PAH as low as 26 micrograms PAH decreased copepod offspring production, egg hatching success, and embryonic and early-stage development, demonstrating the high sensitivity of life history-related endpoints. In addition, grazing on microalgae was significantly impaired at concentrations as low as 20 micrograms/g PAH after short exposures (<30 h). Finally it was demonstrated that harpacticoids can actively avoid contamination.
- Research Organization:
- Louisiana State Univ., Coastal Marine Inst., Baton Rouge, LA (United States); Corps of Engineers, Vicksburg, MS (United States); Minerals Management Service, Gulf of Mexico OCS Region, New Orleans, LA (United States)
- OSTI ID:
- 350595
- Report Number(s):
- PB-99-136244/XAB; CNN: Contract DI-14-35-0001-30660-19905; TRN: 91172106
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: PBD: Jan 1999
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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