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Responses of Chironomus tentans and Hyalella azteca to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

Conference ·
OSTI ID:455328
;  [1]
  1. Wright State Univ., Dayton, OH (United States). Biological Sciences Dept.

The toxicity of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is affected by ultraviolet (UV) light and a number of interacting environmental variables. The effect of two photoinduced PAHs, anthracene and fluoranthene, was studied with the midge, C. tentans, and the amphipod H. azteca in water-only and sediment exposures. Reduced growth was observed in the presence of UV light at low (ug/L) concentrations. Mixtures showed approximately additive responses. The amphipod was slightly more sensitive to photoinduced toxicity. Responses were modified by exposure differences due to behavior patterns, which altered UV exposures. Results suggest natural factors such as inorganic and organic particulates, in combination with behavior, have a significant role in determining the ecological relevance of photoinduced PAH toxicity.

OSTI ID:
455328
Report Number(s):
CONF-961149--
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English