Toxicity of polychlorinated biphenyls (Aroclor 1254) to adult, juvenile and larval stages of the shrimp Palaemonetes pugio.

Date

1976

Authors

Roesijadi, G.
Petrocelli, S.R.
Anderson, J.W.
Giam, C.S.
Neff, G.E.

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Texas A&M University, and Pensacola, Florida: Binomics Marine Lab.

Abstract

The toxicity of Arclor 1254 to adult, juvenile and larval stages of the grass shrimp, Palaemonetes pugio, and estuarine crustaceans abundant along the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coastal regions of North America are reported. The effect of Aroclor 1254 on P. pugio larvae was evident both as mortalities at a relatively high concentration of 15..6 microgram/liter and increased duration to the postlarval stage at lower exposure levels. Larval grass shrimp are not as motile as postlarvae, and extended larval development may be associated with greater predation or more difficult food capture. Changes in the duration of larval development of P. pugio have also been observed to occur in response to differing diets. Larval and juvenile P. pugio were more sensitive to Aroclor 1254 than adults. This was expected since earlier life stages are generally considered to be more sensitive to the physiochemical nature of the environment. Differences in salinity did not appreciably alter the toxicity.

Description

9 p.

Keywords

grass shrimp, Palaemonetes pugio, juveniles, larvae, toxicity, toxicity tests, lethal effects, mortality, brackishwater environment, estuarine organisms

Citation