Influence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons on the meiobenthic-copepod community of a Louisiana salt marsh

摘要: Abstract The influence of sediment contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) on the meiobenthic copepod community a Louisiana salt marsh was examined microcosms containing natural faunal assemblages. Microcosms were dosed PAH-contaminated that ranged in concentration from 0.3 (controls) to 27 mg PAH/kg dry sediment, and effects followed for 28 days. Data suggest highest doses (High-PAH) elicited avoidance behavior by Pseudostenhelia wellsi (Coull Fleeger) copepods nauplii, particularly 12 h after contaminants added (Day 0). Weaker indicated non-P. species manifested as increases nauplius ratios. Nematode ratios calculated each 4 (P. wellsi, Coullana sp., Enhydrosoma Onychoeamptus mohammed (Blanchard Richard)); only nematode/P. significantly affected PAH. High-PAH treatments also lead higher proportion females P. sp. This effect observed Day 7 is interpreted an indication disproportionately high mortality males. Collectively, our data demonstrate relatively low-level PAH contamination may cause many ecologically important impacts structure not be detected at level taxon.