Aquatic toxicology | 2019

Interactive effects of 3,4-DCA and temperature on the annual killifish Nothobranchius furzeri.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Abstract


Although aquatic organisms are increasingly exposed to pollutants and abnormally high temperatures as a consequence of climate change, interactive effects between those stressors remain poorly assessed. Especially in ectotherms, such as fish, increases in ambient temperature are expected to affect fitness-related traits and physiology. We used the turquoise killifish Nothobranchius furzeri to study the effects of a range of 3,4-dichloroaniline concentrations (0, 50, 100\u2009μg/L) in combination with two temperature conditions (control and control +4\u2009°C) during four months of exposure. As part of an integrated multi-level approach, we quantified effects on classic life history traits (size, maturation time, body mass, fecundity), critical thermal maximum and physiology (energy reserves and stress-associated enzymatic activity). While no interactive effects of 3,4-DCA exposure and increased temperature emerged, our results do show a negative effect of 3,4-DCA on thermal tolerance. This finding is of particular relevance in light of increasing temperatures under climate change. Due to increases in pest species and faster degradation of 3,4-DCA under higher temperatures, increased use of the pesticide is expected under climate change which, in turn, could result in a decreased tolerance of aquatic organisms to high temperatures.

Volume 212
Pages \n 146-153\n
DOI 10.1016/j.aquatox.2019.05.009
Language English
Journal Aquatic toxicology

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