Skip to main content
U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Effects of exposure to azaarenes on emergence and mouthpart development in the midge Chironomus riparius (Diptera: Chironomidae)

Journal Article · · Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry

Adverse effects of azaarenes on emergence and mouthpart development of the midge Chironomus riparius were analyzed using six closely related three-ringed isomers and metabolites. Effects on growth rate were examined by comparing the average day of emergence of exposed midges with that of controls. Fluctuating asymmetry (FA) in the pecten epipharyngis was examined as a measure of developmental abnormality. Delayed emergence was found at concentrations as low as 2% of the acute LC50, so emergence day appears to be a useful sensitive parameter to quantity life cycle effects. No differences in FA were found between exposed and control larvae, although, in other studies, all compounds have been proven to be genotoxic. The differences in FA were found between exposed and control larvae, although, in other studies, all compounds have been proven to be genotoxic. The differences in the genotoxic and FA-inducing properties of these compounds indicate that different mechanisms are involved in expressing these adverse effects. This study also illustrates that the choice of the morphological parameter strongly influences the results of developmental disturbance analyses and thus the risk qualification of a potentially hazardous compound.

Research Organization:
Univ. of Amsterdam (NL)
OSTI ID:
20012738
Journal Information:
Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Journal Name: Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry Journal Issue: 8 Vol. 18; ISSN ETOCDK; ISSN 0730-7268
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

Similar Records

Fluctuating asymmetry and mentum gaps in populations of the midge Chironomus riparius (Diptera: Chironomidae) from a metal-contaminated River
Journal Article · Thu Oct 01 00:00:00 EDT 1998 · Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry · OSTI ID:290161

Increased cadmium excretion in metal-adapted populations of the midge Chironomus riparius (Diptera)
Journal Article · Thu Feb 29 23:00:00 EST 1996 · Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry · OSTI ID:215605

Interactive effects of acidity and aluminum exposure on the life cycle of the midge Chironomus riparius (Diptera)
Journal Article · Thu Nov 30 23:00:00 EST 1989 · Journal of Freshwater Ecology; (USA) · OSTI ID:5936044