Using Hexagenia in sediment bioassays: Methods, applicability, and relative sensitivity. (25th February 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Harwood, Amanda D.; Rothert, Amanda K.; Lydy, Michael J.
• Is Part Of: Environmental toxicology and chemistry. Volume 33:Number 4(2014:Apr.)
• Page Start: 868
• Page End: 874
• Publication Date: 2014-02-25
• Subjects: Pollution -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Environmental chemistry -- Periodicals; 615.902
• DOI: 10.1002/etc.2510
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0730-7268

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" xml:lang="en"> <title>Abstract</title> <sec id="etc2510-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <p>The majority of sediment toxicity and aquatic bioaccumulation assessments are conducted using standardized species, such as <italic>Hyalella azteca</italic>, <italic>Chironomus dilutus</italic>, and <italic>Lumbriculus variegatus</italic>. The burrowing mayfly, <italic>Hexagenia</italic> sp., may serve as an ideal supplemental organism for both toxicity and bioaccumulation studies for several reasons. <italic>Hexagenia</italic> are recognized as sensitive species, have a long aquatic life stage (up to 2 yr), and have large bodies, which aid in retrieval from sediments and for residue analysis. The present study outlines the authors' established method for collecting and hatching eggs, raising nymphs, and using these animals for toxicity testing. Furthermore, the relative sensitivity of 3 size classes of <italic>Hexagenia</italic> to a representative contaminant (bifenthrin) was examined and compared with laboratory‐derived median lethal concentrations for the more traditionally used <italic>Hyalella</italic> and <italic>Chironomus</italic>. Finally, sublethal end points, including immobilization and suspended solids, were defined for this species. This provides guidance for the use of this species in toxicological bioassays. <italic>Environ Toxicol Chem</italic> 2014;33:868–874. © 2013 SETAC</p> </sec> </abstract>