Behaviour of damselfly larvae (Enallagma cyathigerum) (Insecta, Odonata) after long-term exposure to PFOS

Environ Pollut. 2009 Apr;157(4):1332-6. doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2008.11.031. Epub 2008 Dec 25.

Abstract

Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) is a persistent and ubiquitous environmental contaminant that has been detected in organisms worldwide. Here, we evaluate whether long-term (1 and 4 months) exposure to PFOS contamination affects the behavioural performance of freshwater larvae of the damselfly Enallagma cyathigerum (Insecta: Odonata). Our results show reduced behavioural performance with increasing PFOS concentration. In 1 month exposed larvae, no observed effect concentrations (NOECs) were 100 microg/L for general activity. In 4 months exposed larvae, NOECs were 10 microg/L, for each behavioural trait, except swimming acceleration of male larvae where the NOEC was 100 microg/L. When faced with PFOS concentrations above the NOEC, E. cyathigerum larvae were less active, less capable to escape a simulated predator attack and less efficient in foraging. Together, our results show that damselfly larvae suffer reduced survival-related behavioural performance.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alkanesulfonic Acids / toxicity*
  • Animals
  • Behavior, Animal / drug effects*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Ecotoxicology / methods
  • Fluorocarbons / toxicity*
  • Fresh Water
  • Insecta / drug effects*
  • Insecta / physiology
  • Larva
  • No-Observed-Adverse-Effect Level
  • Time Factors
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical / toxicity*

Substances

  • Alkanesulfonic Acids
  • Fluorocarbons
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical
  • perfluorooctane sulfonic acid