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A behavioral screening assay for Daphnia Magna : A method to assess the effects of xenobiotics on spacial orientation
Author(s) -
Goodrich Mark S.,
Lech John J.
Publication year - 1990
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.5620090104
Subject(s) - daphnia magna , daphnia , lindane , biology , cladocera , xenobiotic , zooplankton , environmental chemistry , toxicology , toxicity , ecology , chemistry , pesticide , biochemistry , organic chemistry , enzyme
We have developed a short‐term, low‐cost method of detecting changes in the orientative ability of Daphnia magna in response to xenobiotics. The method employs the reaction, a migration along the gradient, of D. magna to a light intensity gradient. The method was derived from techniques established to simulate and analyze migration patterns of zooplankton in the natural environment. Each test uses a minimum of 100 1‐ to 3‐d old Daphnia exposed to a directional light beam within a circular chamber. The chamber is divided into eight sections, each containing 45° of arc. These quadrants can be isolated from each other, thus isolating eight groups of migrating Daphnia. Each test results in three endpoints: an average direction for the migration (mean angle), an index of the magnitude of random, undirected migration ( r value) and a percentage of nonresponse. The method was validated by showing a positive dose‐related response to a known neurotoxin, lindane. The method is sensitive to lindane, producing effects on orientation even at a concentration as low as 50 ppb. The effect of lindane was a dramatic increase in the random migration of dosed Daphnia , showing a less directed migration pattern than control. Implications of developing a behavioral test with Daphnia and its correlation with the natural environment are discussed, as well as its incorporation into the general toxicity screening strategy. Interpretative and comparative statistical analysis of the method's endpoints are presented and discussed.