Effects of methoxychlor on larval development of mud-crab and blue crab

Laboratory experiments were conducted to determine the effects of methoxychlor on the larval development of the mud-crab, Rhithropanopeus harrisii, and the commercial blue crab, Callinectes sapidus, from the time of hatching until the 1st crab stage was reached. The effect of a range of concentrations of methoxychlor on survival of larvae of C. sapidus and R. harrisii was determined, as well as the concentrations which were sublethal and lethal. Since concentrations as low as 1.3, 1.6 and 1.9 ppb (μg l^?1) methoxychlor were acutely toxic to C. sapidus larvae, and it took a concentration as high as 7.0 ppb to be acutely toxic to R. harrisii larvae, it was concluded that C. sapidus larvae were much more sensitive to methoxychlor than R. harrisii larvae. Zoeal and total development to the 1st crab stage of R. harrisii and C. sapidus were prolonged in relation to increased concentrations of methoxychlor. The developmental stages in which larvae were particularly sensitive varied in the two species. Methoxychlor residues of R. harrisii and C. sapidus larvae reared in concentrations of methoxychlor were determined.     

Effects of hexavalent chromium on development of crabs,Rhithropanopeus harrisii and Callinectes sapidus

Survival of Rhithropanopeus harrisii larvae from hatching to first crab stage occurred in Na₂CrO₄ concentrations from 1.1 to 29.1 ppm. Estimated LC50 for complete zoeal development was 17.8 ppm Na₂CrO₄ and it was 13.7 ppm for development to first crab stage. A concentration of 1.1 ppm Na₂CrO₄ was nontoxic, while Na₂CrO₄ concentrations of 7.2 and 14.5 ppm were sublethal and concentrations of 29.1 to 58.1 ppm were acutely toxic. Low concentrations of Na₂Cr0₄ caused an increase in swimming speed and high concentrations caused a decline. Survival of Callinectes sapidus larvae occurred in Na₂CrO₄ concentrations from 1.1 to 4.7 ppm. The LC50 for complete zoeal development was estimated to be 2.9 ppm Na₂CrO₄ and the LC50 for development to first crab stage was estimated to be 1.0 ppm Na₂CrO₄ The total Cr in sodium chromate is 32% by weight (Tacey,1981), hence, the total Cr concentrations tested were 32% of the Cr salts given above. Statistical analyses of the data on survival, duration and mortality of larvae are presented.     

Kepone effects on larval development of mud-crab and blue-crab

Laboratory experiments wer conducted to determine the effects of Kepone on the larval development of the mud-crab,Rhithropanopeus harrisii, and the commercial blue crab,Callinectes sapidus, from the time of hatching until the 1st crab stage was reached. Differential survival ofR. harrisii from hatching to 1st crab stage occurred in a range of 35 to 125 ppb Kepone, whereas differential survival ofC. sapidus over the same period of development occurred in a range of 0.1 to 1.0 ppb. Statistical analysis indicated that, for every 10 ppb Kepone added, duration from hatching to 1st crab stage ofR. harrisii was increased by 0.391±0.043 days; whereas for each increase of 0.1 ppb, the duration from hatching to 1st crab stage ofC. sapidus is prolonged by 0.38±0.10 days. The 1st and 2nd zoeal stages ofR. harrisii were the most sensitive developmental stages to Kepone, but the 1st zoeal stage ofC. sapidus was not sensitive, statistically, to any concentration of Kepone tested. In zoeal stages II, III and IV, there were significant increases in mortality ofC. sapidus over the previous stage in all media tested.     

Effects of mirex on the larval development of blue crab

The effects of 0.01, 0.1, 1.0 and 10.0 ppb mirex on the development of blue crabs,Callinectes sapidus, from hatching to first crab stage are described. None of the concentrations of mirex showed any appreciable effect on the larvae during the first five days. Thereafter 0.01 ppb and 0.1 ppb mirex were found to be sublethal. These concentrations had no effect on the duration of development from hatching to megalopa or from hatching to first crab stage. Concentrations of 1.0 ppb and 10.0 ppb mirex proved to be acute. No one stage of development was particularly sensitive to 0.01 ppb mirex, but in the other three concentrations some stages were more sensitive (statistically) than others. The results of residue analyses are given for larvae reared in four concentrations of mirex at different periods of development. Residues of mirex in developmental stages increased with concentration, but biological magnification was greatest in larvae reared in the lowest concentration of mirex and lowest in larvae reared in the highest concentration.     

The effects of three phthalate esters on the larval development of the grass shrimp Palaemonetes pugio (Holthuis)

The effects of three phthalic acid esters, dimethyl phthalate (DMP), di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) and di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) on survival and development rate of larvae of the grass shrimp Palaemonetes pugio were investigated. Only 100 ppm DMP and 10 to 50 ppm DBP were acutely toxic to the larvae. DMP at a concentration of 100 ppm significantly increased the duration of larval development to the first postlarval stage. DEHP concentrations up to 1 ppm (the solubility limit of this ester) were without effect on either survival or development rate of the larvae. Phthalate esters were not detectable at or above the 2 ppm level in the tissues of larvae chronically exposed to phthalates for the duration of larval development, suggesting active metabolism of phthalates by this species.     

Sublethal effects of insect growth regulators upon crab larval behavior

Both swimming speeds and phototaxis by the four larval stages of the crab Rhithropanopeus harrisii were monitored upon chronic exposure to sublethal concentrations of the insect growth regulators methroprene (Altosid^R: ZR-515), hydroprene (Altozar^R: ZR-512) and dimiline (TH-6040). Larvae were reared under conditions of salinity (20orbo) and temperature (25°C) which produce the greatest developmental success. Sublethal concentrations of methroprene had no effect on swimming rates or phototaxis as compared to the acetone control larvae. For hydroprene, swimming rates by stage I, II and III zoeae were unaffected while a significant increase in swimming speeds occurred in Stage IV zoeae exposed to concentrations of 0.05 and 0.1 ppm. Only Stage III zoeae exposed to 0.l ppm showed a significant decrease in the level of positive phototaxis. Dimilin was much more potent, as significant increases in swimming speeds occurred in Stage I, II and III zoeae, with 0.3 ppb being the lowest effective concentration. Although swimming by Stage IV zoeae was unaffected, phototaxis was altered at concentrations as low as 0.1 ppb. Concentrations, which alter behavior, are related to levels which are reported to control mosquitoe larvae.     

Associations Between Dioxins/Furans and Dioxin-Like PCBs in Estuarine Sediment and Blue Crab

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the relationships between the quantity, toxicity, and compositional profile of dioxin/furan compounds (PCDD/Fs) and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (DL-PCBs) in estuarine sediment and in the blue crab (Callinectes sapidus). Sediment and blue crab samples were collected in three small urban estuaries that are in relatively close proximity to each other. Results show that differences between PCDD/F and DL-PCB mass concentrations and total toxic equivalents (TEQ) toxicity in sediments of the three estuaries are reflected in those of the blue crab. TEQs are higher in the hepatopancreas of the crabs than in the sediment, but the concentration factor is inversely proportional to the TEQ in the sediments. Congener profiles in the crabs are systematically different from those in the sediments, and the difference is more pronounced for PCDD/Fs than for DL-PCBs, possibly due to differences in metabolization rates. Compared with sediment profiles, more lesser-chlorinated PCDD/Fs that have higher TEFs accumulate in crab hepatopancreas. This selective bioaccumulation of PCDD/Fs results in a TEQ augmentation in crab hepatopancreas compared with sediments. The bioaccumulation in the blue crab is also selective for PCDD/Fs over DL-PCBs.     

Development of an immunoassay (ELISA) for the quantification of thiram in lettuce

Two competitive immunoassays, a laboratory assay based on microwell plates and a field test based on the use of polystyrene tubes, have been developed for the quantification of thiram in lettuces. Concerning the laboratory assay, the calibration curve for thiram had a linear range of 11 to 90 ng/mL and a detection limit of 5 ng/mL. Precision of the assay presented coefficient of variation values <9% and the recovery of thiram from lettuce averaged 89% across the range of the immunoassay method using 30 min extraction with water/acetone (50:50, v/v). The tube-based method was developed in order that an extract of lettuce, containing thiram at the MRL (8 ppm), would be found on the linear part of the standard curve. The calibration curve for thiram has a linear range of 100 to 800 ng/mL (1.39 to 11.1 ppm in lettuce) and a detection limit of 40 ng/mL.     

Differential Sex, Morphotype and Tissue Accumulation of Mercury in the Crab Carcinus maenas

Carcinus maenas is an invasive species of recognised economical and ecological importance in which mercury accumulation could be a pathway for bioamplification through food webs. Little information is available about differential accumulation between crab sexes and morphotypes. Taking this in mind, a set of different industrial discharge scenarios were investigated in 96-h laboratory experiments for assessing the accumulation of inorganic mercury from contaminated seawater into the tissues of C. maenas. Three groups of crabs (green males, green and red females) where exposed to 5, 50 and 250 ??g Hg L^?1. Differences among sexes, morphotypes and tissues were detected, depending on the mercury concentration. The muscle did not show differential accumulation between sexes or morphotypes. For mercury-exposed crabs, the contaminant was accumulated preferably in the gills (more than 75%) while, in control experiments, it was in the internal organs, muscle and hepatopancreas, and gills corresponded to less than 31% of the total mercury quantified. The different tissue contamination seems dependent on the major pathway of exposure, diet or water. Mercury accumulation by the crab was a rapid process and could represent a risk for the environment only after 96 h. In a scenario of a discharge point of 250 ??g L^?1, all tissues of crabs exposed would attain a very close, or even exceed the threshold concentration value for human consumption (0.5 mg kg^?1).     

Effects of mirex on the larval development of two crabs

The effects of mirex, a chlorinated hydrocarbon used to kill the imported red ant, Solenopsis saevissima richteri, on the complete larval development of two crabs, Rhithropanopeus harrisii and Menippe mercenaria are described. The duration of developmental stages of Rhithropanopeus and the total time of development is generally lengthened with an increase in concentration of mirex from 0.01 to 10.0 ppb. There are highly significant differences between survival of larvae in the control and in each concentration of mirex. In Menippe, there were no pronounced differences in duration of developmental stages with increased concentrations of mirex, but the percentage of extra 6th zoeae was greater as concentrations were increased. There was differential survival of the developmental stages in relation to concentration of mirex, and Menippe larvae were much more sensitive to mirex than Rhithropanopeus larvae, especially in the megalopal stage. Residue analysis revealed that Menippe concentrates mirex more efficiently during development to crab stages than does Rhithropanopeus.     

Controlling factors of environmental flooding,soil pH and Diaprepes abbreviatus (L.) root weevil feeding in citrus: Larval survival and larval growth

The underlying influences of soil flooding, pH level and soil-inhabiting Diaprepes abbreviatus (L.) root weevil larval feeding in citrus were examined in two separate greenhouse studies, rootstock × flooding × Diaprepes-larvae (RFD) and liming × rootstock × flooding × Diaprepes-larvae (LRFD). Our objectives were to determine the combined effects of soil flooding and pH level on survival and growth of Diaprepes root weevil larvae to gain insights of insect-environmental relations for the weevil control. We used a Floridana sandy loam (pH 4.8) from a citrus grove infested by Diaprepes root weevil in center Florida. The RFD experiment consisted of two citrus rootstocks (Swingle and Smooth Flat Seville), three flooding durations (0, 20, and 40 days) and two larval infestation rates (0 and 5 larvae) for 40-day feeding. The LRFD experiment consisted of two citrus rootstocks (Swingle and Carrizo), three pH levels (non-limed control, and target pH 6 and 7), two flooding durations (0 and 40 days), and two larval rates (0 and 5 larvae) for 56-day feeding. Dolomite (54% CaCO₃ and 46% MgCO₃) was used for soil liming in the LRFD. Treatments were arranged with 15 replicates in a completely randomized design. In the RFD, flooded soil pH was 0.3 units higher than non-flooded soil and larval survival was the lowest in the longest flooded treatment (P < 0.05). In the LRFD, soil pH increased 0.5–0.9 units for the target pH 6, and 0.7–1.1 units for the target pH 7. The effects of rootstock, liming and flooding treatments and their interactions were significant on soil pH and larval survival (P < 0.05). Larval survival decreased from 80% to 60% with increasing soil pH from 4.8 to 5.7. Total larval weight per seedling decreased significantly from 0.060 g to 0.012 g when the soil pH increased from 5.1 to 5.7. Flooding reduced larval survival and growth, and increasing acidic soil pH by 1 unit would be an option for controlling soil acidity and for promoting integrated management of Diaprepes root weevil in citrus.     

The effects of suspended ‘red mud’ on mortality,body weight,and growth of the marine planktonic copepod,Calanus helgolandicus

The effect of ‘red mud’ at a dilution of 1:10⁵ to 1:10⁶ on growth, body weight and mortality of juvenile stages of the planktonic copepodCalanus helgolandicus were investigated. In the presence of phytoplanktonC. helgolandicus ingested large amounts of ‘red mud’. In comparison to control copepods growth of ‘red mud’ animals was delayed. Mortality of ‘red mud’ animals was 5 to 8 times higher than that of control animals. The dry body weight of C III, C v, and adults raised from N v/NVI on in ‘red mud’ was far lower than the dry weight of the control animals. All results show that ‘red mud’ at the above mentioned dilutions affects negatively juvenile stages and adults ofCalanus helgolandicus.     

The effect of copper applications on the movement of copper and other elements in organic soils

Copper concentrations should be maintained at 100 ppm (gg Cu g^?1 dry soil) in the surface layers of undecomposed peat soils, and 400 ppm in humified muck soils. The Cu supports plant nutrition, and inhibits enzymes that degrade the organic soils (Histosols). The required or extravagant applications of Cu may threaten groundwater quality if the Cu, or elements displaced by the Cu, moves downwards in the soils. To test this, powdered CUSO₄.5H₂O was applied to the top 15 cm of replicated microplots of organic soils to increase their Cu concentrations by 0, 150, 500, and 1500 ppm at field sites A (peat) and B (muck) in May 1978 and by 0, 100, 300, and 800 ppm at field site C (mucky peat) in 1979. Duplicate cores of up to 50 cm depth were taken in the spring of 1981 from each of the 56 microplots and analyzed. At all sites, none of the Cu additions caused significant displacement and downward movement of Ca, Mg, K, Fe, Mn, or Zn. There was a leaching of small fractions of the applied Cu down to 40 cm depth only when 1500 ppm of Cu was added to the humus-poor, acidic peat at site A. Some of the Cu applied at the 500 ppm rate at site A and 1500 ppm rate at site B was found in the 20 to 30 cm zone. At site C, none of the applied Cu moved from the top 20 cm (plow layer).     

Comparing the Tolerance Limits of Selected Bacterial and Protozoan Species to Vanadium in Wastewater Systems

This study compared the tolerance limits of selected bacterial (Bacillus licheniformis, Brevibacillus lactosporus and Pseudomonas putida) and protozoan (Aspidisca, Trachelophyllum and Peranema) species to V⁵⁺ in wastewater systems. The isolates were exposed to various concentrations of V⁵⁺ (from 10 to 240?ppm), and their tolerance limits to this heavy metal were assessed at different temperatures (25, 30, 35 and 40°C) and pHs (4, 6, 7, 8 and 10) for 5?days. Chemical oxygen demand (COD), dissolved oxygen (DO) and die-off rate of the isolates were measured using standard methods. The results indicated that test isolates were tolerant to V⁵⁺, with a gradual decrease in their colony/cell counts when V⁵⁺ concentration gradually increased. Bacterial species were found to be more significantly tolerant (MIC: 110?C230?ppm?V⁵⁺) to V⁵⁺ than protozoan species which showed an earlier total inhibition/die-off rate (100%) at 60?C100?ppm?V⁵⁺ (MIC) (p?<?0.001). P. putida was the most tolerant bacterial species (MIC: 230?ppm?V⁵⁺) and Aspidisca sp. the most sensitive protozoan species (MIC: 60?ppm?V⁵⁺). An increase in COD and DO removal was observed throughout the experimental period. The highest COD increase (up to 237.11%) and DO removal (almost 100%) were observed in mixed liquor inoculated with P. putida after exposure to 10?ppm?V⁵⁺. Changes in pH and temperature affected the tolerance limits of all isolates. This study suggests the use of these tolerant bacterial and protozoan species in the bioremediation of V⁵⁺ from domestic and industrial wastewater under the control of pH and temperature.     

Effects of soil conditions and drought on egg hatching and larval survival of the clover root weevil (Sitona lepidus)

Soil-dwelling insect herbivores are significant pests in many managed ecosystems. Because eggs and larvae are difficult to observe, mathematical models have been developed to predict life-cycle events occurring in the soil. To date, these models have incorporated very little empirical information about how soil and drought conditions interact to shape these processes. This study investigated how soil temperature (10, 15, 20 and 25 °C), water content (0.02 (air dried), 0.10 and 0.25 g g^?1) and pH (5, 7 and 9) interactively affected egg hatching and early larval lifespan of the clover root weevil (Sitona lepidus Gyllenhal, Coleoptera: Curculionidae). Eggs developed over 3.5 times faster at 25 °C compared with 10 °C (hatching after 40.1 and 11.5 days, respectively). The effect of drought on S. lepidus eggs was investigated by exposing eggs to drought conditions before wetting the soil (2–12 days later) at four temperatures. No eggs hatched in dry soil, suggesting that S. lepidus eggs require water to remain viable. Eggs hatched significantly sooner in slightly acidic soil (pH 5) compared with soils with higher pH values. There was also a significant interaction between soil temperature, pH and soil water content. Egg viability was significantly reduced by exposure to drought. When exposed to 2–6 days of drought, egg viability was 80–100% at all temperatures but fell to 50% after 12 days exposure at 10 °C and did not hatch at all at 20 °C and above. Drought exposure also increased hatching time of viable eggs. The effects of soil conditions on unfed larvae were less influential, except for soil temperature which significantly reduced larval longevity by 57% when reared at 25 °C compared with 10 °C (4.1 and 9.7 days, respectively). The effects of soil conditions on S. lepidus eggs and larvae are discussed in the context of global climate change and how such empirically based information could be useful for refining existing mathematical models of these processes.     

Dispersal power,home range and habitat preference of cantharid larvae (Coleoptera: Cantharidae) in arable land

The dispersal ability, home range size and habitat preference of sixth instar larvae of the widespread cantharid species Cantharis fusca (L.) and C. livida (L.) were studied in a mark–recapture experiment in a meadow–field (winter grain) area between autumn and spring in 1999/2000. The main results and conclusions were: (i) The mean dispersal velocity of C. fusca/C. livida larvae was 1.4/1.6 m d^–1 with a maximum of 3.2/2.3 m d^–1. The larvae were able to disperse more than 100 m during their larval development, demonstrating that larvae and not only adults contribute to spreading. (ii) The average home range area of seven C. fusca individuals was 12.9 m² (minimum 8 m²/maximum 19 m²). The low number of multiple recaptures and the large distances larvae can cover indicate that the real home range size was underestimated. (iii) C. fusca larvae significantly preferred the meadow area compared to the bare ground of the field. This can be explained by the meadow's higher plant cover and humidity C. livida specimens that were released one month later and recaptured only in low numbers showed no such preference. (iv) Due to the high dispersal ability of soldier beetle larvae, immigration from meadows and grass bulks of boundary strips into the crop margins and inner field areas is possible; it can be augmented by creating constant plant cover, e.g. through winter grain or cover crops.     

Linking process to pattern: Causes of stream-breeding amphibian decline in urbanized watersheds

Sufficient data have been collected to document negative effects of urbanization on many abiotic parameters, aquatic insects, and fish. Recently, stream-breeding salamanders have been observed to decrease in density in urban areas. We employed a two-step process to determine the mechanism(s) most likely responsible for salamander decline in disturbed streams. First, we conducted a 2-year survey of larval two-lined salamanders (Eurycea cirrigera) and abiotic variables among 12 streams in western Georgia, USA surrounded by land disturbed by urbanization and pasture. From these surveys we constructed hypotheses that might explain differences in observed larval salamander density among streams. A model in which increased watershed impervious surface causes an increase in spate (i.e., high water flow) frequency and magnitude, which then leads to decreased larval density had the most support. This analysis led to a second step in which we conducted an experiment using artificial streams lined with substrates commonly found in urban and forested streams (sand/sand with detritus and gravel-pebble/pebble-cobble, respectively). We placed salamander larvae in the artificial stream channels and subjected them to increasing water velocity. Larvae on sand-based substrates common to urban streams were flushed from the artificial stream at significantly lower velocities than larvae on rock-based substrates. The experimental data were consistent with the hypothesis generated from field sampling that high water velocities in urban streams result in decreased larval retention in streams. Our result emphasizes the need for upland habitat restoration in urban areas, which will reduce run-off and improve stream habitat quality.     

The effect of ph on fungitoxic interactions between a solvent and pesticide

The effect of pH on interactions between combinations of the solvent acetone and the pesticide captan was determined using the fungiPythium ultimum, Sclerotinia homeocarpa, andPestalotia sp.. Seven concentrations of the solvent acetone, ranging from 0.1 to 3.0 % (v/v), were interacted with four concentrations of the fungicide captan, ranging from 1.0 to 10.0 ppm (mg L^?1). This interaction procedure was repeated at pH 4.5, 5.5, 6.5, and 7.5, using a temperature of 30 °C. Acetone and captan interacted synergistically towardsP. ultimum andS. homeocarpa, and antagonistically towardsPestalotia sp., regardless of the pH. However, the solvent concentration at which synergism or antagonism was first observed usually decreased as pH increased. The actual pH response obtained was dependent upon both the captan level and culture used. As pH increased from 4.5 to 7.5, the toxicity of captan decreased by up to 40% withS. homeocarpa andPestalotia sp., and 80% withP. ultimum. WithS. homeocarpa andPestalotia sp., the magnitude of synergism or antagonism increased as the captan concentration was raised from 1.0 or 2.5 ppm up to 7.5 or 10.0 ppm. With P. ultimum, the degree of synergism decreased at pH 4.5 and 5.5, but increased at pH 6.5 and 7.5, as the captan concentration was raised from 2.5 to 10.0 ppm. The lowest interaction magnitudes were recorded at pH 4.5 forP. ultimum, but was variable for the other cultures. The greatest interaction magnitudes were obtained at pH 4.5 forS. homeocarpa, 5.5 forPestalotia sp., and 6.5 or 7.5 forP. ultimum.     

Lethal and sublethal effects of withanolides from Salpichroa origanifolia and analogues on Ceratitis capitata

Biological effects on Ceratitis capitata were evaluated for several withanolides isolated from Salpichroa origanifolia (Solanaceae), (20S,22R,24S,25S,26R)-5alpha,6alpha:22,26:24,25-triepoxy-26-hydroxy-17(13-->18)-abeo-ergosta-2,13,15,17-tetraen-1-one (salpichrolide A, 1), (20S,22R,24S,25S,26R)-22,26:24,25-diepoxy-5alpha,6beta,26-trihydroxy-17(13-->18)-abeo-ergosta-2,13,15,17-tetraen-1-one (salpichrolide C, 2), (20S,22R,24S,25S,26R)-5alpha,6alpha;22,26:24,25-triepoxy-15,26-dihydroxy-17(13-->18)abeo-ergosta-2,13,15,17-tetraen-1-one (salpichrolide G, 3), and (20S,22R,24S,25S,26R)-5alpha,6alpha:22,26:24,25-triepoxy-1,26-dihydroxy-17(13-->18)-abeo-ergosta-2,13,15,17-tetraene (salpichrolide B, 5), and for chemically modified analogues. Influence of chemical modifications on development delay was analyzed. The compounds were incorporated into the larval diet and the adults' drinking water. Significant development delays from larvae to puparia were observed in treatments with the natural withanolides salpichrolides A, C, and G (1-3) at a concentration of 500 ppm. Salpichrolide B (5) was the most toxic compound, the highest mortality (95%) being observed at the larval stage. Exposure of adults to drinking water containing natural withanolides 1-3 and 5 produced mortality in all cases.