Effects of medetomidine, a novel antifouling agent, on the burrowing bivalve Abra nitida (Müller).
The effects of medetomidine, a novel antifouling candidate, on the burrowing bivalve Abra nitida were studied. The burrowing behaviour, sediment reworking activity and faeces production were assessed after 24 h exposure of A. nitida to sublethal concentrations of medetomidine. Medetomidine caused a significant decrease in the burrowing response and in the sediment reworking activity. The median effective concentrations (EC50) were 430 nM (86 microg/l) and 4.4 nM (0.9 microg/l), respectively. No effects on the faeces production were detected. Although significant effects of medetomidine on A. nitida were registered, a reversibility of the effects was observed when 24 h-exposed animals were incubated in clean seawater and sediment for 24 h. Considerations relating to the future commercialisation of medetomidine for antifouling purposes are discussed.
Bellas
Juan
J
Department of Marine Ecology, Göteborg University, Kristineberg Marine Research Station, SE-450 34 Fiskebäckskil, Sweden. juan.bellas@uvigo.es
Hilvarsson
Annelie
A
Birgersson
Göran
G
Granmo
Ke
K
D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects*; D049872:Bivalvia / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D005243:Feces / Q000737:chemistry; D019015:Geologic Sediments / Q000032:analysis; D020926:Medetomidine / Q000633:toxicity*; D010575:Pesticides / Q000633:toxicity*; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000633:toxicity*
D010575:Pesticides; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; D020926:Medetomidine