The Effects of Pollutant Analogs Alkylphenol and Nonylphenol on the Nervous System and Ecology of Orconectes Propinquus.

Kirkhof Center KC56

Crayfish are a ubiquitous keystone species that are vital to the ecological community of much of the United States and Canada. They serve as a major food source for many animals and act as predators of smaller animals themselves. Today, many invertebrates' survival may be influenced by the use of chemical applications such as alkylphenols and alkylphenol ethoxylates, used in pesticides and industrial cleaners that have been rated inert by the EPA and other environmental agencies. Our study seeks to investigate the effects of the alkylphenol analog, nonylphenol, on the nervous system of Orconectes propinquus by testing its effects on behavioral responses, serotonin release, and action potentials of vital ventral, dorsal, antennal, and cranial nerves. Our preliminary findings show that populations of Orconectes propinquus are susceptible to such chemicals, moreover juveniles show dramatically increased mortality. We expect to see deficits in neuronal responses as well.