Olfactory Sampling Recovery Following Sublethal Copper Exposure in the Rusty Crayfish, Orconectes rusticus
1Laboratory for Sensory Ecology, Department of Biological Sciences, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH, 43402, USA. slahman@bgsu.edu.
Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology
|August 2, 2015
Summary
Sublethal copper exposure impairs rusty crayfish (Orconectes rusticus) chemoreception and antennular flicking. Recovery occurred when copper was removed, indicating reversible effects of aquatic chemical contaminants.
Area of Science:
- Environmental toxicology
- Aquatic ecology
- Animal behavior
Background:
- Anthropogenic chemicals in aquatic ecosystems can disrupt animal chemoreception.
- The rusty crayfish (Orconectes rusticus) relies on chemical cues for behaviors like foraging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of sublethal copper exposure on antennular flicking behavior in rusty crayfish.
- To determine if impaired chemoreception and behavior are reversible after copper removal.
Main Methods:
- Rusty crayfish were exposed to a sublethal concentration of copper (450 µg/L).
- Antennular flicking rates and orientation success to food odor were measured.
- Crayfish were allowed a 21-day recovery period in clean water, with repeated behavioral assays.
Main Results:
- Copper-exposed crayfish showed significantly reduced antennular flicking rates and poorer odor orientation compared to controls.
- During the recovery period, crayfish exhibited significant increases in antennular flicking and successful odor localization.
- These findings suggest a reversible impairment of chemosensory mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- Sublethal copper exposure reversibly inhibits chemoreception and associated behaviors in rusty crayfish.
- Eliminating copper from contaminated aquatic ecosystems can restore crucial chemical communication pathways for aquatic animals.
