Exposure to sublethal chromium and endosulfan alter the diel vertical migration (DVM) in freshwater zooplanktonic crustaceans.

GUTIERREZ, M. F.; A. M. GAGNETÉN; J. C. PAGGI

ECOTOXICOLOGY

SPRINGER

Lugar: Berlin; Año: 2012 vol. 21 p. 37 - 47

0963-9292

Among zooplankton behaviors, diel migrations constitute one of the most effective predator avoidance strategy and confer metabolic and demographic advantages. We aim to examine whether sublethal concentrations of two widespread pollutants (a pesticide with endosulfan and chromium as potassium dichromate) alter the depth selection, vertical migration and grouping of five freshwater species: Argyrodiaptomus falcifer, Notodiaptomus conifer, Pseudosida variabilis, Ceriodaphnia dubia and Daphnia magna. In a series of experimental assays, performed with 150 cm length transparent tubes, we analyzed the ascents and descents movements through periods of 24 h. Among controls, the copepods showed a tendency toremain closest to the surface, however, N. conifer registered a downward movement of 18.14 cm between 06:00 and 12:00. The cladoceran P. variabilis occupied the beeper position (85 cm), C. dubia showed a tendency to hiketo the surface at 06:00 (57.7 cm) descending to lowerlevels at 18:00. D. magna showed a constant movement of ascent between 00:00 and 18:00, making an average travel of 29.4 cm. When subjected to pollutants, these behaviors were altered. It is hypothesized that a reduction in swimming activity and disorientation would be the main cause of such alterations. The high sensitivity of this endpoint sugests it to be adecuate as a complement in future Standard toxicity tests.