Premium
Effects on River Macro‐invertebrates of Increased Urbanization Near Puerto Rico's Watersheds: Changes in Population Abundance and Locomotor and Aggressive Behavior
Author(s) -
OrtizLugo José,
Pedreira Patricia,
Maldonado Esteban,
Quiñones Michael,
Rodríguez Nikitas,
Rivera Nilsa,
Sosa Maria
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.29.1_supplement.lb38
Subject(s) - prawn , biota , urbanization , macrobrachium , environmental science , water quality , abundance (ecology) , ecology , fishery , population , invertebrate , crustacean , biology , decapoda , demography , sociology
Urban development is a form of anthropogenic environmental disturbance that globally threatens waterways by altering the hydrology and water quality. We are assessing how increased urbanization near rivers of Puerto Rico impacts the aquatic biota. Here we compare the abundance of Macrobrachium carcinus prawns in representative rivers and asses the effects of water chemicals found in those near urban areas on prawn locomotor activity and aggression. A monthly census of prawns along different gradients of urban intensity was conducted in four rivers of the island. The relative number of prawns collected by traps was significantly higher (144) in the non‐urban river, compared with 0, 0, and 2 prawns in comparable areas of three urban rivers. Prawns from non‐urban rivers were exposed in the lab to concentrations the EPA defines as limits for drinking water of specific phthalates (0.006 mg/L) and metal contaminants (Cr 3+ ;0.1 mg/L, Cd 2+ ;0.005 mg/L, Mn 2+ ;0.05mg/L). All contaminants increased locomotion and DBP, Cr 3+ and Cd 2+ increased total area covered by prawns in the tank, and altered their locomotor patterns. Prawns injected with DBP ventured more towards the center than remaining near edges. Submissive prawns injected with DBP, Cr 3+ , Cd 2+ and Mn 2+ also escalated aggression levels. Results suggest that contaminants in urbanized watersheds are associated with prawn assemblage degradation and also have an impact on locomotion and aggressive behavior. These findings serve as important indicators of how low levels of anthropogenic contaminants, such as phthalates and metals, can impact behaviors essential for survival.