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Title: A comparison of zooplankton sampling methods in evaluating copper sulfate toxicity in outdoor microcosms

Conference ·
OSTI ID:31772
;  [1]; ;  [2];  [3]
  1. Clemson Univ., Pendleton, SC (United States)
  2. Zeneca Ag Products, Whitakers, NC (United States)
  3. Technical Univ. of Aachen (Germany)

Six outdoor microcosms (2m{sup 3}) were used to determine copper sulfate effects on epibenthic and planktonic zooplankton community structure. Microcosms were treated three times with CuSO{sub 4} at 0, 50, 100, 200, 350, 550 {mu}g Cu/L, respectively. Zooplankton was sampled biweekly from July through October 1993. Epibenthic zooplankton was collected with an inverted funnel trap, whereas planktonic zooplankton was sampled with an integrated water column sampler. Samples were sieved through a 35 {mu}m mesh and organisms preserved with 1% Lugol`s solution and later identified to genus or species level. Both communities initially decreased in total abundance at high copper rates. However, recovery started shortly after the final Cu application. Species richness was lowest at high copper concentrations, particularly in the epi-benthic community. Epibenthic zooplankton diversity decreased at high copper rates, whereas planktonic zooplankton diversity did not. Epi-benthic zooplankton may be a sensitive indicator of chemical stress and therefore be used to assess the bioavailability of sediment-bound xenobiotics.

OSTI ID:
31772
Report Number(s):
CONF-9410273-; TRN: IM9517%%67
Resource Relation:
Conference: 15. annual meeting of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC), Denver, CO (United States), 30 Oct - 3 Nov 1994; Other Information: PBD: 1994; Related Information: Is Part Of Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 15th annual meeting: Abstract book. Ecological risk: Science, policy, law, and perception; PB: 286 p.
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English