Herbicide effects on planktonic systems of different complexity

Lampert, W; Fleckner, W; Pott, E; Schober, U; Storkel, KU

HERO ID

11145496

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

1989

Language

English

HERO ID 11145496
In Press No
Year 1989
Title Herbicide effects on planktonic systems of different complexity
Authors Lampert, W; Fleckner, W; Pott, E; Schober, U; Storkel, KU
Journal Hydrobiologia
Volume 188
Page Numbers 415-424
Abstract Bioassays of different complexity were compared with respect to their capability to predict the environmental impact of the herbicide atrazine in aquatic systems. Acute toxicity tests with Daphnia did not yield meaningful results. Sublethal tests with Daphnia (feeding inhibition, reduction of growth and reproduction) were more sensitive, but effective concentrations of atrazine were still rather high (2 mg/L). A relatively complicated ‘artificial food chain’ system that incorporated direct and indirect effects on Daphnia yielded significant reduction of daphnid population growth at 0.1 mg/L. Enclosure experiments with natural communities were by far the most sensitive tools. Community responses could be measured at concentrations as low as 1 µg/L and 0.1 µg atrazine/L. At the lowest concentration, however, communities recovered after three weeks. We conclude that in complex systems indirect effects can be more important than direct effects, so that, contrary to the conditions in simple tests, non-target organisms may be the better indicators of herbicide stress to natural communities.
Doi 10.1007/BF00027809
Wosid WOS:A1989CK35500044
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Language Text English