Reproductive traits of two calanoid copepods: Centropages ponticus and Temora stylifera, in autumn in Bizerte Channel

Effects of Cadmium Exposure on Reproduction and Survival of the Planktonic Copepod Centropages ponticus

“…Our results showed that acute exposure to low and sublethal concentrations of cadmium produce a significant reduction in the reproduction rate and egg hatching success ( Figures 3 and 4), which support previous studies on the effect of cadmium exposure on fecundity of some planktonic copepods [12]. The measurement of egg production rates and hutching success of adult female copepods has been proposed as an alternative method for estimating pelagic secondary production, since it constitutes a measure of potential population recruitment rate [22,29] of cadmium to adult female of C. ponticus was ascertained and the effect was time and dose dependent as ordinary xenobiotiques. Cadmium adversely affects on adult female survivability and fecundity at above 0.2 µg.L -1…”

“…The Bizerte lagoon ecosystem was studied previously to determine the environmental variables controlling the planktonic copepods abundance, diversity and species composition [15,22,23]. The collected samples were immediately transported to the laboratory of Biodiversity and Functioning of Aquatics Systems (Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, Tunisia).…”

“…Cd concentrations used in the sublethal toxicity test were 0, 0.2, 0.4, 1 µg.L -1 Cd (as nominal concentrations). Reproductive tests were conducted using a modified protocol described by [22], For each test concentration, 10 females of C. ponticus, bearing an egg sac, were individually transferred to a new three glass beakers per treatment equipped with 200 mm mesh false bottoms. Beakers were filled with 40 mL of 0.45 mm filtered seawater.…”

“…Few studies exist on the copepod C. ponticus, particularly in the areas of its ecology, geophylogeny, and its behavioural [18][19][20][21]. It has a wide geographical distribution along the coast of the Mediterranean [22]. C. ponticus has several advantages as a model test species.…”

Toxicity assessment of cadmium chloride on planktonic copepods Centropages ponticus using biochemical markers

“…Zooplankton is an important component in aquatic ecosystems and a key organism within the food web and in the biogeochemical cycling of elements [16] . Copepods are one of the most important components of zooplankton and play major roles in the structure and functioning of marine planktonic food webs [17] . As zooplanktonic organisms, copepods are likely to be impacted by exposure to contaminants in the aqueous phase in the water column and through the ingestion of contaminated food.…”