Behavioral responses of the estuarine calanoid copepod Eurytemora affinis to sub-lethal concentrations of waterborne pollutants

摘要: Estuarine waters contain a variety of chemicals which affect to various extents the behavior aquatic organisms. Little is known, however, on behavioral response copepods. The present study shows results laboratory experiments investigating immediate effects sub-lethal concentrations three commonly found contaminants three-dimensional swimming estuarine calanoid copepod Eurytemora affinis. Nonylphenol at 2 μg L⁻¹, cadmium 45 n gL⁻¹ and mixture low medium molecular weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons 40 ng L⁻¹ all affected E. affinis adults, increasing both speed activity. In most cases, were observable within 30 min exposure persisted or faded during period depuration in uncontaminated water similar duration. ovigerous females exposed Cd PAHs, appeared be more pronounced period, suggesting that carrying ovisacs may impair recovery. We quantified differences distribution values by considering relative frequencies periods break, slow fast we observed trend toward faster movements presence pollutants. degree trajectory complexity, estimated through their fractal dimension, was unaffected Since narcotic non-narcotic pollutants induced hyperactivity, our suggest changes after short-term independent general mode action chemicals. increase activity resembles an escape reaction permitting copepods evade stressful conditions. Overall, these indicate environment-relevant can induce rapid behavior. processes represent fundamental element ecology copepods, raise concern about background levels pollution major component plankton community. long-term waterborne pollutants, synergistic interactions with other environmental factors need further investigation.