Behaviour of damselfly larvae (Enallagma cyathigerum) (Insecta, Odonata) after long-term exposure to PFOS.
Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) is a persistent and ubiquitous environmental contaminant that has been detected in organisms worldwide. Here, we evaluate whether long-term (1 and 4 months) exposure to PFOS contamination affects the behavioural performance of freshwater larvae of the damselfly Enallagma cyathigerum (Insecta: Odonata). Our results show reduced behavioural performance with increasing PFOS concentration. In 1 month exposed larvae, no observed effect concentrations (NOECs) were 100 microg/L for general activity. In 4 months exposed larvae, NOECs were 10 microg/L, for each behavioural trait, except swimming acceleration of male larvae where the NOEC was 100 microg/L. When faced with PFOS concentrations above the NOEC, E. cyathigerum larvae were less active, less capable to escape a simulated predator attack and less efficient in foraging. Together, our results show that damselfly larvae suffer reduced survival-related behavioural performance.
Van Gossum
Hans
H
Evolutionary Ecology Group, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
Bots
Jessica
J
Snijkers
Tom
T
Meyer
Johan
J
Van Wassenbergh
Sam
S
De Coen
Wim
W
De Bruyn
Luc
L
D017738:Alkanesulfonic Acids / Q000633:toxicity*; D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D054750:Ecotoxicology / Q000379:methods; D005466:Fluorocarbons / Q000633:toxicity*; D005618:Fresh Water; D007313:Insecta / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D007814:Larva; D019055:No-Observed-Adverse-Effect Level; D013997:Time Factors; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000633:toxicity*
D017738:Alkanesulfonic Acids; D005466:Fluorocarbons; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; C076994:perfluorooctane sulfonic acid