Differential effects of mercury on activity and swimming endurance in a model aquatic predator-prey system
- Univ. of Mississippi, University, MS (United States)
In addition to direct effects of contaminants on organisms, populations and communities, there may also be indirect or secondary effects related to altered behavior. This study examined the effects of mercury exposure on locomotory behavior in a model predator-prey system of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) and fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas). At both low and high mercury concentrations, there was a significant effect of exposure on unforced activity and swimming endurance in fathead minnows. At all tested mercury concentrations, activity and endurance also were both positively correlated to body length. However, largemouth bass unforced activity and swimming endurance were not affected by exposure to low mercury concentrations. In light of these differential locomotory effects at environmentally relevant mercury concentrations, the potential impact on aquatic predator-prey systems will be discussed.
- OSTI ID:
- 85963
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-9410273-; TRN: IM9534%%34
- 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
Similar Records
Development of a New Technique to Assess Susceptibility to Predation Resulting from Sublethal Stresses (Indirect Mortality)
Aspects of the winter predator--prey relationship between sauger and threadfin shad in Watts Bar Reservoir, Tennessee