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 mu g/L) in combination with two temperature conditions (control and control +4 degrees 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.
1.Univ Leuven, Anim Ecol Global Change & Sustainable Dev, Ch Deberiotstr 32, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium 2.Univ Antwerp, Syst Physiol & Ecotoxicol Res, Groenenborgerlaan 171, B-2020 Antwerp, Belgium 3.Univ Free State, Ctr Environm Management, POB 339, ZA-9300 Bloemfontein, South Africa
Recommended Citation:
Philippe, Charlotte,Hautekiet, Pauline,Gregoir, Arnout F.,et al. Interactive effects of 3,4-DCA and temperature on the annual killifish Nothobranchius furzeri[J]. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY,2019-01-01,212:146-153