Short-term toxicity tests on the harpacticoid copepod Tisbe battagliai: Lethal and reproductive endpoints

Abstract

Short-term bioassays based on lethal and reproductive responses of Tisbe battagliai were applied to determine responses of copepods to copper and LAS. Percentage of spawning females, fecundity (F), and total newborn production (N) for 48 and 72 h were calculated for both substances. It was observed percentage of spawning females was not affected by sublethal concentrations of both compounds. Following values were obtained: EC50(N)-48 h of 670±30 μg LAS L−1 and EC50(F)-48 h of 670±30 μg LAS L−1; and EC50(N)-72 h of 44.5±1.8 μg Cu L−1 and EC50(F)-72 h of 30.8±1.1 μg Cu L−1. Lethal effects of the two substance-types were also assessed, obtaining the LC50-24 h of 1980±160 μg LAS L−1; and LC50-48 h of 83.1±10.5 μg Cu L−1 for nauplii; and LC50-72 h of 157±25 μg Cu L−1, and LC50-72 h of 2660±270 μg LAS L−1 for adults. Fecundity and total newborn production are sensitive endpoints for determining effects of toxicants.