The Relative Sensitivity of Four Benthic Invertebrates to Metals in Spiked-Sediment Exposures and Application to Contaminated Field Sediment

Abstract

The relative sensitivity of four benthic invertebrates (Hyalella azteca, Chironomus riparius, Hexagenia spp., and Tubifex tubifex) was determined for Cd, Cu, and Ni in water-only and in spiked-sediment exposures. Survival (median lethal concentrations [LC50s] and the concentrations estimated to be lethal to 25% of test organisms [LC25s]), and endpoints for growth and reproduction (mean inhibitory concentrations [IC25s]) were compared. The sensitivities differed depending on the species and metal, although some trends emerged. In water-only exposures, H. azteca is the most sensitive species to cadmium and nickel, with mean LC50s of 0.013 and 3.6 mg/L, respectively; C. riparius is the most sensitive species to copper, with a mean LC50 of 0.043 mg/L. In the spiked-sediment exposures, the order in decreasing sensitivity to copper is Hyalella = Hexagenia < Chironomus < Tubifex for survival and growth/reproduction. For cadmium, the order in decreasing sensitivity is Hyalella = Chironomus < Hexagenia < Tubifex, and for nickel is Hyalella << Hexagenia < Chironomus < Tubifex. Chironomus riparius and Hexagenia spp. survival can be used to distinguish between toxicity caused by different metals. Species test responses in field-collected sediment(Collingwood Harbour, ON, Canada) were examined in an attempt to determine the causative agent of toxicity throughout, using the established species sensitivities. Sediment toxicity was categorized first by comparing species responses to those established for a reference database. Test responses in the field-collected sediment do not support causality by Cu, a suspected toxicant based on comparison of sediment chemistry with sediment quality guidelines.

Effect of cadmium on the susceptibility of Tubifex tubifex to Myxobolus cerebralis (Myxozoa), the causative agent of whirling disease

“…The latter include reduction in growth (Milani et al 2003), reproduction (Gillis et al 2002) and hormonal activity (Chen et al 1994) and an increase in mucus production (Bouché et al 2000) and autotomy (Brković-Popović & Popović 1977, Lucan-Bouché et al 1999, Bouché et al 2000. Autotomy followed by regeneration of a broken caudal body part is commonly observed in oligochaetes suffering from various stressors such as predation and toxicant exposure.…”

A manipulative field experiment to evaluate an integrative methodology for assessing sediment pollution in estuarine ecosystems

“…Several studies have shown that different species may show different responses to the same level of sediment contamination (Ingersoll et al, 2002;Milani et al, 2003). For this reason, the amphipods C. multisetosum and M. gryllotalpa were selected, since both are regarded as "keystone species" in their respective ecosystems and thus toxicity tests should reflect ecosystem impact .…”

Review and comparison of available testing approaches and protocols for testing effects of chemicals on sediment‐dwelling organisms with potential applicability to pesticides

“…Oligochates have attracted attention as possible organisms for sediment quality evaluation in general environmental quality assessments (e.g. Ankley et al 1991 andTuikka et al 2011) as well as in specific toxicity tests for metals (Milani et al 2003 andHirsch, 2009) and organic chemicals (West et al 1997 andDing et al 2001) including pesticides (Keilty et al 1988). Of the seven families of aquatic microdrile oligochaetes three, the Naididae, Tubificidae and Lumbriculidae, have received most attention for selection as toxicity test organisms.…”

“…West et al 1997, Milani et al 2003Keilty et al 1988, Smith et al 1991 or in the evaluation of the quality of environmental sediments. Of the three main oligochaete families tubificids are easily cultured in the laboratory (Reynoldson et al 1991Ducrot et al 2007) and have recognizable life history stages, that are, cocoons, newly hatched worms, immature worms, and mature worms.…”

“…In addition to survival and growth (e.g. Milani et al 2003) one of the most appropriate endpoints for interpreting the results of toxicity tests, in a field context, is reproduction. Reproduction is readily measured with tubificids.…”