title: A novel system for embryo-larval toxicity testing of pelagic fish: Applications for impact assessment of Deepwater Horizon crude oil.
abstract: Key differences in the developmental process of pelagic fish embryos, in comparison to embryos of standard test fish species, present challenges to obtaining sufficient control survival needed to successfully perform traditional toxicity testing bioassays. Many of these challenges relate to the change in buoyancy, from positive to negative, of pelagic fish embryos that occurs just prior to hatch. A novel exposure system, the pelagic embryo-larval exposure chamber (PELEC), has been developed to conduct successful bioassays on the early life stages (ELSs; embryos/larvae) of pelagic fish. Using this unique recirculating upwelling system, it was possible to significantly improve control survival in pelagic fish ELS bioassays compared to commonly used static exposure methods. Results demonstrate that control performance of mahi-mahi (Coryphaena hippurus) embryos in the PELEC system, measured as percent survival after 96-hrs, significantly outperformed agitated static exposure and static exposure systems. Similar significant improvements in 72-hr control survival were obtained with yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares). The PELEC system was subsequently used to test the effects of photo-induced toxicity of crude oil to mahi-mahi ELSs over the course of 96-hrs. Results indicate a greater than 9-fold increase in toxicity of Deepwater Horizon (DWH) crude oil during co-exposure to ambient sunlight compared to filtered ambient sunlight, revealing the importance of including natural sunlight in 96-hr DWH crude oil bioassays as well as the PELEC system's potential application in ecotoxicological assessments.
authors: University of Miami, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL, 33149-1031, USA. Electronic address: jstieglitz@rsmas.miami.edu.
authors: John D
authors: JD
authors: Stieglitz
authors: University of Miami, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL, 33149-1031, USA.
authors: Edward M
authors: EM
authors: Mager
authors: University of Miami, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL, 33149-1031, USA.
authors: Ronald H
authors: RH
authors: Hoenig
authors: University of North Texas, Department of Biological Sciences and Advanced Environmental Research Institute, 1155 Union Circle #310559, Denton, TX, 76203, USA.
authors: Matthew
authors: M
authors: Alloy
authors: University of Texas, Marine Science Institute, Department of Marine Science, 750 Channel View Dr., Port Aransas, TX, 78373, USA.
authors: Andrew J
authors: AJ
authors: Esbaugh
authors: University of Miami, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL, 33149-1031, USA.
authors: Charlotte
authors: C
authors: Bodinier
authors: University of Miami, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL, 33149-1031, USA.
authors: Daniel D
authors: DD
authors: Benetti
authors: University of North Texas, Department of Biological Sciences and Advanced Environmental Research Institute, 1155 Union Circle #310559, Denton, TX, 76203, USA.
authors: Aaron P
authors: AP
authors: Roberts
authors: University of Miami, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL, 33149-1031, USA.
authors: Martin
authors: M
authors: Grosell
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004625:Embryo, Nonmammalian / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects*; D007814:Larva / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000254:growth & development; D010473:Perciformes / Q000254:growth & development*; D010578:Petroleum / Q000633:toxicity*; D059392:Petroleum Pollution / Q000009:adverse effects*; D018675:Toxicity Tests; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000737:chemistry / Q000633:toxicity*
chemical_list: D010578:Petroleum; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical
keywords: Early life stages; Gulf of Mexico oil spill; Mahi-mahi; Pelagic; Photo-induced toxicity; Tuna