Field deployment of a scope for growth assay involving Gammarus pulex, a freshwater benthic invertebrate
- Univ. of Sheffield (England)
Scope for growth (SfG) is a measure of the energy balance of an animal (i.e., the difference between energy intake and metabolic output). The SfG of marine invertebrates, particularly the mussel Mytilus edulis, has been successfully used as the basis of a field bioassay to detect a range of stresses both natural (temperature, food, salinity) and anthropogenic (hydrocarbons, sewage sludge). SfG of the freshwater amphipod Gammarus pulex was found to be a sensitive indicator of stress under laboratory conditions and here we describe the field deployment of this technique and present data from three field trials. In every case, SfG was reduced at the downstream polluted site compared with that at an upstream reference site. This reduction in SfG was the result of a decrease in energy intake (absorption) rather than an increase in energy expenditure (respiration).
- OSTI ID:
- 6651961
- Journal Information:
- Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety; (USA), Journal Name: Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety; (USA) Vol. 19:3; ISSN EESAD; ISSN 0147-6513
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
540320* -- Environment
Aquatic-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (1990-)
560300 -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ANIMAL GROWTH
ANIMALS
AQUATIC ORGANISMS
BIOLOGICAL INDICATORS
BIOLOGICAL STRESS
GROWTH
HYDROCARBONS
INVERTEBRATES
METABOLISM
MOLLUSCS
MUSSELS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
POLLUTION
SENSITIVITY
TOXICITY
WATER POLLUTION