The response of cultured meiofaunal and benthic foraminiferal communities to lead exposure: Results from mesocosm experiments. (13th August 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Frontalini, Fabrizio; Semprucci, Federica; Di Bella, Letizia; Caruso, Antonio; Cosentino, Claudia; Maccotta, Antonella; Scopelliti, Giovanna; Sbrocca, Claudia; Bucci, Carla; Balsamo, Maria; Martins, Maria Virginia; Armynot du Châtelet, Eric; Coccioni, Rodolfo
• Is Part Of: Environmental toxicology and chemistry. Volume 37:Number 9(2018)
• Page Start: 2439
• Page End: 2447
• Publication Date: 2018-08-13
• Subjects: Meiofauna -- Foraminifera -- Lead -- Mesocosm -- Sediment; Pollution -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Environmental chemistry -- Periodicals; 615.902
• DOI: 10.1002/etc.4207
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0730-7268

Abstract

Abstract: Lead (Pb) is regarded as a highly toxic element that poses a serious threat to biota. A mesocosm experiment was performed to assess the influence of Pb on meiofaunal (metazoans within 45–500 μm) and benthic foraminiferal (protozoan) communities. To this end, sediments bearing such communities were incubated in mesocosms, exposed to different levels of Pb in seawater, and monitored for up to 8 wk. Concentrations of Pb <1 ppm in water did not promote a significant increase of this metal in sediments. Relatively high concentrations of Pb seemed to affect meiofaunal and benthic foraminiferal communities by reducing their richness or diversity, and the abundance of the most sensitive taxa. The mesocosm approach can be considered an effective method to document the responses of meiofaunal and benthic foraminiferal communities to various kinds and concentrations of pollutants over time. This approach allows the evaluation of dose–response relationships, validates the outcomes of field studies, and possibly confirms the sediment quality guidelines and thresholds. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:2439–2447. © 2018 SETAC