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Elevated major ion concentrations inhibit larval mayfly growth and development
Author(s) -
Johnson Brent R.,
Weaver Paul C.,
Nietch Christopher T.,
Lazorchak James M.,
Struewing Katherine A.,
Funk David H.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
environmental toxicology and chemistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.1
H-Index - 171
eISSN - 1552-8618
pISSN - 0730-7268
DOI - 10.1002/etc.2777
Subject(s) - mayfly , larva , environmental chemistry , chemistry , aquatic insect , energetics , salinity , ecology , biology
Anthropogenic disturbances, including those from developing energy resources, can alter stream chemistry significantly by elevating total dissolved solids. Field studies have indicated that mayflies (Order Ephemeroptera) are particularly sensitive to high total dissolved solids. In the present study, the authors measured 20‐d growth and survivorship of larval Neocloeon triangulifer exposed to a gradient of brine salt (mixed NaCl and CaCl 2 ) concentrations. Daily growth rates were reduced significantly in all salt concentrations above the control (363 µS cm −1 ) and larvae in treatments with specific conductance >812 µS cm −1 were in comparatively earlier developmental stages (instars) at the end of the experiment. Survivorship declined significantly when specific conductance was >1513 µS cm −1 and the calculated 20‐d 50% lethal concentration was 2866 µS cm −1 . The present study's results provide strong experimental evidence that elevated ion concentrations similar to those observed in developing energy resources, such as oil and gas drilling or coal mining, can adversely affect sensitive aquatic insect species. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:167–172. © 2014 SETAC