title: Ecological modelling and toxicity data coupled to assess population recovery of marine amphipod Gammarus locusta: Application to disturbance by chronic exposure to aniline.
abstract: A population agent-based model of marine amphipod Gammarus locusta was designed and implemented as a basis for ecological risk assessment of chemical pollutants impairing life-history traits at the individual level. We further used the model to assess the toxic effects of aniline (a priority hazardous and noxious substance, HNS) on amphipod populations using empirically-built dose-response functions derived from a chronic bioassay that we previously performed with this species. We observed a significant toxicant-induced mortality and adverse effects in reproductive performance (reduction of newborn production) in G. locusta at the individual level. Coupling the population model with the toxicological data from the chronic bioassay allowed the projection of the ecological costs associated with exposure to aniline that might occur in wild populations. Model simulations with different scenarios indicated that even low level prolonged exposure to the HNS aniline can have significant long-term impacts on G. locusta population abundance, until the impacted population returns to undisturbed levels. This approach may be a useful complement in ecotoxicological studies of chemical pollution to transfer individual-collected data to ecological-relevant levels.
authors: Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR/CIMAR), University of Porto, Rua dos Bragas 289, 4050-123 Porto, Portugal. Electronic address: carmen.bdelossantos@gmail.com.
authors: Carmen B
authors: CB
authors: de los Santos
authors: Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR/CIMAR), University of Porto, Rua dos Bragas 289, 4050-123 Porto, Portugal.
authors: Teresa
authors: T
authors: Neuparth
authors: Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR/CIMAR), University of Porto, Rua dos Bragas 289, 4050-123 Porto, Portugal.
authors: Tiago
authors: T
authors: Torres
authors: School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge, Anglesey LL59 5AB, UK.
authors: Irene
authors: I
authors: Martins
authors: Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR/CIMAR), University of Porto, Rua dos Bragas 289, 4050-123 Porto, Portugal.
authors: Isabel
authors: I
authors: Cunha
authors: Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Lowestoft NR33 0HT, UK.
authors: Dave
authors: D
authors: Sheahan
authors: Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Lowestoft NR33 0HT, UK.
authors: Tom
authors: T
authors: McGowan
authors: Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR/CIMAR), University of Porto, Rua dos Bragas 289, 4050-123 Porto, Portugal; FCUP - Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal. Electronic address: santos@ciimar.up.pt.
authors: Miguel M
authors: MM
authors: Santos
mesh_terms: D033304:Amphipoda / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000254:growth & development; D000814:Aniline Compounds / Q000633:toxicity*; D000818:Animals; D007928:Lethal Dose 50; D008954:Models, Biological; D013997:Time Factors; D036401:Toxicity Tests, Chronic; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000633:toxicity*
chemical_list: D000814:Aniline Compounds; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; C023650:aniline
keywords: Agent-based model; Amphipods; HNS; Population model; Recovery; Risk assessment