The Chronic Effects of Nonylphenol on Reproductive Behavior, Physiology and Development of Crayfish
Location
Hager-Lubbers Exhibition Hall
Description
PURPOSE: Nonylphenol is a commonly used surfactant in a variety of industries. Nonylphenol shows an affinity for estrogen receptors, hence its classification as an endocrine disruptor and potential danger to reproductive success. Nonylphenol accumulates in aquatic environments and several studies have demonstrated reduced olfaction and impaired gonad development in a variety of species after exposure. Although acute studies have been performed, chronic exposure studies are limited. SUBJECTS: A total of 240 crayfish, Orconectes propinquus, consisting of 60 adult males, 60 adult females, 60 juvenile males, and 60 juvenile females were collected to locate a mate, electrophysiological recordings of olfactory neurons, and examined gonad morphology four months post-exposure. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A behavioral assay was performed using a Y-Maze, electrophysiological recordings of antennules were obtained through use of the Backyard Brains Spikerbox, and individual weekly mass, molting events, mortality, and final gonad mass were all recorded during exposure. Analyses: Statistical analysis on behavior data, electrophysiological recordings, and mass data were performed using a repeated measures ANOVA test. Gonad mass was analyzed using a one way ANOVA. Mortality data was analyzed using a Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. RESULTS: Exposing crayfish to varying sublethal concentrations of nonylphenol affects behavior, neuron responsiveness, and development CONCLUSIONS: Observing both the behavioral and developmental effects of low, but chronic nonylphenol exposure, provides insight to its potential effects on crayfish populations and ecosystems.
The Chronic Effects of Nonylphenol on Reproductive Behavior, Physiology and Development of Crayfish
Hager-Lubbers Exhibition Hall
PURPOSE: Nonylphenol is a commonly used surfactant in a variety of industries. Nonylphenol shows an affinity for estrogen receptors, hence its classification as an endocrine disruptor and potential danger to reproductive success. Nonylphenol accumulates in aquatic environments and several studies have demonstrated reduced olfaction and impaired gonad development in a variety of species after exposure. Although acute studies have been performed, chronic exposure studies are limited. SUBJECTS: A total of 240 crayfish, Orconectes propinquus, consisting of 60 adult males, 60 adult females, 60 juvenile males, and 60 juvenile females were collected to locate a mate, electrophysiological recordings of olfactory neurons, and examined gonad morphology four months post-exposure. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A behavioral assay was performed using a Y-Maze, electrophysiological recordings of antennules were obtained through use of the Backyard Brains Spikerbox, and individual weekly mass, molting events, mortality, and final gonad mass were all recorded during exposure. Analyses: Statistical analysis on behavior data, electrophysiological recordings, and mass data were performed using a repeated measures ANOVA test. Gonad mass was analyzed using a one way ANOVA. Mortality data was analyzed using a Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. RESULTS: Exposing crayfish to varying sublethal concentrations of nonylphenol affects behavior, neuron responsiveness, and development CONCLUSIONS: Observing both the behavioral and developmental effects of low, but chronic nonylphenol exposure, provides insight to its potential effects on crayfish populations and ecosystems.