Impact of the herbicides 2,4-D and diuron on the metabolism of the coral Porites cylindrica.
This study investigates the effects of two herbicides on the hermatypic coral Porites cylindrica. The herbicides tested were 2,4-D and diuron, since they are commonly used and have different toxic characteristics. Corals were exposed to 10 and 100 mg l(-1) 2,4-D, and to 10, 50 and 100 micro g(-l) diuron for 48 h respectively, and the effects were measured using an oxymeter and a diving PAM fluorometer. Coral gross primary production rate, gross primary production to respiration ratio and effective quantum yield were significantly reduced when exposed to 100 mg l(-1) 2,4-D while respiration seemed unaffected. All three concentrations of diuron caused a significant reduction in all measured parameters except respiration and maximum fluorescence yield, where a significant reduction was detected at 50 and 100 micro g(-1) diuron, respectively.
Råberg
S
S
Department of Botany, Stockholm University, S-106 91, Stockholm, Sweden. sonja.raberg@botan.su.se
Nyström
M
M
Erös
M
M
Plantman
P
P
D000818:Animals; D037421:Anthozoa / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D004237:Diuron / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005470:Fluorometry; D006540:Herbicides / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012119:Respiration / Q000187:drug effects; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*
D006540:Herbicides; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; D004237:Diuron