Exposure to sublethal chromium and endosulfan alter the diel vertical migration (DVM) in freshwater zooplankton crustaceans.

ABSTRACT

Among zooplankton behaviors, diel migrations constitute one of the most effective predator avoidance strategy and confer metabolic and demographic advantages. We aim to examine whether sublethal concentrations of two widespread pollutants (a pesticide with endosulfan and chromium as potassium dichromate) alter the depth selection, vertical migration and grouping of five freshwater species Argyrodiaptomus falcifer, Notodiaptomus conifer, Pseudosida variabilis, Ceriodaphnia dubia and Daphnia magna. In a series of experimental assays, performed with 150 cm length transparent tubes, we analyzed the ascents and descents movements through periods of 24 h. Among controls, the copepods showed a tendency to remain closest to the surface, however, N. conifer registered a downward movement of 18.14 cm between 0600 and 1200. The cladoceran P. variabilis occupied the deeper position (85 cm), C. dubia showed a tendency to hike to the surface at 0600 (57.7 cm) descending to lower levels at 1800. D. magna showed a constant movement of ascent between 0000 and 1800, making an average travel of 29.4 cm. When subjected to pollutants, these behaviors were altered. It is hypothesized that a reduction in swimming activity and disorientation would be the main cause of such alterations. The high sensitivity of this endpoint sugests it to be adecuate as a complement in future standard toxicity tests.