A PRELIMINARY STUDY ON THE PHYTOREMEDIATION OF ANTIBIOTIC CONTAMINATED SEDIMENT

In Vietnam's coastal wetlands, fluoroquinolones, a widely used class of antibiotics in shrimp farming, are frequently detected in sediments of former shrimp farms. This phenomenon could lead to negative impacts on the aquatic ecosystem, since the antibiotic residues could induce changes in the microorganism communities of the water body. The potential of native wetland plants (Acrostichum aureum L. and Rhizophora apiculata Blume Fl. Javae) for phytoremediation of fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin) was investigated. The half-life for each antibiotic was estimated at approximately 10 days in the planted sediment. With respect to the accumulation of ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin in plants, these antibiotics were found mainly in roots. Antibiotic translocation from root to stem and leaves occurred at a low rate. The results showed that A. aureum and R. apiculata can be valuable for the phytoremediation of antibiotic-contaminated sediments. Additionally, the initial findings of the presence of resistant bacteria indicated that bacteria could play a role in facilitating the phytodegradation.     

种植香根草对铜尾矿废弃地基质化学和生物学性质的影响

通过实地调查取样和室内分析,研究铜陵水木冲铜尾矿废弃地不同时期种植香根草(Vetiveria zizanioides L.)群落(近期种植香根草群落(V.zizanioides communities were established in the recent stage,JX),中期种植香根草群落(V.zizanioides communities were established in the middle stage,ZX)和早期种植香根草群落(V.zizanioides communities were established in the early stage,OX))对尾矿基质化学性质、微生物量和土壤酶活性的影响,探讨人工植被恢复对铜尾矿废弃地基质系统的修复作用。结果表明:香根草的定植能延缓铜尾矿的酸化过程,且随着香根草定植时间的延长,0—5 cm和5—20 cm层尾矿基质中总氮和速效磷含量提高(其中,0—5 cm层总氮积累更加显著),OX下0—5 cm表层基质总氮和速效磷的平均值分别是JX下的4.64倍和22.44倍。基质微生物量C、N含量和脱氢酶、过氧化氢酶、脲酶活性也随香根草种植时间的延长而有不同程度的升高,且基质化学性质对微生物量和酶活性有影响,其中基质微生物量C、N含量、脱氢酶和过氧化氢酶活性均与电导率呈显著或极显著负相关性;而基质微生物量N和4种酶活性均与总氮含量呈显著或极显著正相关性,表明总氮含量是影响基质微生物量N和酶活性的主要因子;基质微生物量N、脱氢酶和过氧化氢酶活性还与速效磷含量呈极显著正相关性。基质中Cu、Pb含量对脱氢酶、过氧化氢酶活性和微生物量均有显著抑制作用,而Zn对基质微生物活性有一定的激活作用。生长在尾矿废弃地上的香根草不仅显著地改善了铜尾矿废弃地的基质化学性质,且有利于基质微生物量和酶活性的增加,是一种良好的矿业废弃地生态修复物种。     

Enhanced uptake of Cd by biofilm forming Cd resistant plant growth promoting bacteria bioaugmented to the rhizosphere of Vetiveria zizanioides

Abstract

Heavy metals are the major cause of pollution and cadmium is one among the highly toxic metals discharged into the environment from various industries. The current study was focused on the bioremoval of cadmium by phyto and rhizoremediation approach using Vetiveria zizanioides. The bacterial strains were isolated from wetland paddy rhizosphere soil and the isolate VITJAN13 was found to be a biofilm forming Cd resistant plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). The 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed VITJAN13 to be the closest neighbor of Aeromonas sp. and was submitted to Genbank with the accession number KX770741. Further, pot culture studies indicated that the treatments bioaugmented with VITJAN13 increased the root length and shoot height by 21.4 and 17.36%, respectively as compared to the non-augmented plants. Hence, bioaugmentation of Aeromonas sp. in the rhizosphere of Vetiveria zizanioides enhanced the uptake of cadmium by 67.7% in the soil treated with 15?mg/kg of Cd to that of the phytoremediation setup.     

Mangroves as filters of shrimp pond effluent: predictions and biogeochemical research needs

Preliminary estimates of the ratio of mangrove forest: shrimp pond area necessary to remove nutrients from shrimp pond effluent are made using budgets of nitrogen and phosphorus output for semi-intensive and intensive shrimp ponds combined with estimates of total net primary production in Rhizophora-dominated mangrove forests in tropical coastal areas. If effluent is delivered directly to mangrove forest plots, it is estimated that, depending on shrimp pond management, between 2 and 22 hectares of forest are required to filter the nitrogen and phosphorus loads from effluent produced by a 1 hectare pond. While such ratios may apply to small scale, integrated shrimp aquaculture — mangrove forestry farming systems, the variability in mangrove hydrodynamics makes it difficult to apply such ratios at a regional scale. Before mangroves can be used to strip shrimp pond effluent more research is required on the effects that high ammonia and particulate organic matter loads in pond effluent have on nutrient transformations in mangrove sediments and on forest growth.     

广州新垦红树林湿地鸟类多样性与生境分析

2005-2006年的1月、4月、7月和10月,利用样带法对广州市新垦红树林湿地和周边农田进行鸟类物种多样性研究。利用Shannon-Wiener指数分析了生境类型的鸟类群落种数、数量、物种多样性、均匀性指数等特征。结果表明,新垦红树林湿地1月鸟类种数高于周边农田湿地2倍,鸟类群落个体数量高于农田湿地9倍;红树林湿地4月和7月鸟类种数高于周边农田湿地1．5倍,鸟类群落个体数量高于农田湿地4倍;红树林湿地10月鸟类种数高于周边农田湿地1．5倍,鸟类群落个体数量高于农田湿地6．8倍;新垦红树林湿地和周边农田湿地鸟类物种多样性表现出明显的季节性变化。     

Mangroves and brackishwater pond culture in the Philippines

Around 50% of mangrove loss in the Philippines can be traced to brackishwater pond construction. The decrease in mangroves from 450 000 ha in 1920 to 132 500 ha in 1990 has been accompanied by expansion of culture ponds to 223 000 ha in 1990. The history of fishpond development in the country includes a government-sponsored fishpond boom in the 1950-g and 1960s, the proconservation decade of the 1970s followed by a shrimp fever in the 1980s. Production from brackisshwater ponds has increased from 15 900 mt worth P7.6 million in 1938 to 267 000 mt valued at P6.5 billion in 1990. On the other hand, the maximum valuation of over $11 000 ha^–1 yr^–1 for unmanaged and managed mangrove forests makes them economically on par with the most profitable pond farming systems. The loss of mangrove systems and their varied goods and services is the single most important consequence of brackishwater pond culture in the Philippines. Moreover, intensive shrimp farming is associated with other ecological and socioeconomic effects such as pollution of coastal waters and decline in domestic food crops. New legislation and enforcement of existing laws, conservation of remaining mangroves, massive rehabilitation of denuded mangrove areas, and promotion of sustainable aquaculture and fisheries are recommended.     

The mangrove-based coastal and nearshore fisheries of Bangladesh: ecology,exploitation and management

The mangrove forest of Bangladesh, the largest continuous mangrove forest of the world, is one of the most important coastal features of the country. The existence of the mangrove has increased the values of other coastal and marine resources such as the coastal and marine fisheries by increasing productivity and supporting a wide biological diversity. The artisanal fishery, which is highly influenced by mangroves, has been contributing 85–95% of the total coastal and marine catch of Bangladesh. The mangrove also supports offshore and deep sea fisheries by playing a significant role as nursery ground for many deep sea fishes and shrimps including the giant tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) which is the major species of the industrial bottom trawl fishery of Bangladesh. The mangrove also contributes significantly in shrimp farming which has been the most significant export-oriented industry since the 1970s. However, the mangrove fisheries have been under intensive pressure from deleterious fishing activities and deliberate aquaculture development by destructing mangrove habitats. The impacts of mangrove have been reflected in the contribution of artisanal fishery catch that has been in a continuous decline since the 1980s. Shrimp farming has been the most destructive contributor to mangrove destruction with a corresponding loss of biological resources particularly the wild shrimp fishery. This paper reviews different aspects of the mangrove fisheries of Bangladesh and discusses the impacts of different fisheries. The paper identifies the importance of reviewing, amending and/or replacing the traditional management approaches by the new management techniques such as habitat restoration and stock enhancement in the natural environment; the paper also identifies the need for research findings in formulating and implementing new management approaches.     

A differential proteomic approach to assess the effects of chemotherapeutics and production management strategy on giant tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon

The intensification of shrimp farming has been related to the increasing use of chemotherapeutics and potentially suboptimal rearing conditions. For the purpose of assessing the stress level of cultured giant tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon, a proteomic analysis (2D-DIGE) was performed on hemolymph. On the one hand, shrimp were exposed for 7 days to the antibiotics enrofloxacin or furazolidone via feed (4 g kg^?1) under laboratory conditions. On the other hand, shrimp were submitted to enrofloxacin directly in field conditions in Vietnam, for which two different culture systems were distinguished (intensive and improved extensive). No significant different protein abundance pattern was induced by antibiotics under laboratory conditions, while only one protein spot displayed a 1.53-fold reduction in intensity after exposure to enrofloxacin in improved extensive ponds. When we compared the proteome of shrimp bred either in intensive or in improved extensive system, we observed 9 protein spots displaying significant difference in abundance. Among them, 3 spots of hemocyanin were under-expressed in shrimp from improved extensive ponds. At the opposite 2 spots corresponding to Sarcoplasmic Calcium-binding Protein (SCP) were less abundant in hemolymph of shrimp from intensive ponds. These results demonstrate that the very subtle effects of tested antibiotics on patterns of hemolymph protein expression are overwhelmed by the effects of conditions encountered in different production management systems, such as different oxygen and nitric concentrations.     

The Role of Fluoroquinolones in the Promotion of Alginate Synthesis and Antibiotic Resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Treatment of nonmucoid Pseudomonas aeruginosa with gyrase inhibitors such as ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, and ofloxacin, which target the A subunit of topoisomerase II, resulted in 100% conversion to the mucoid phenotype. However, antibiotics that partially inhibited growth and macromolecular synthesis (DNA, RNA, protein, or peptidoglycan) of nonmucoid isolates in a gluconate-limited chemostat culture system did not promote conversion to mucoid subpopulations. An increase in resistance was observed in populations that expressed the mucoid phenotype. Both mucoid conversion and antibiotic resistance were completely reversible when ciprofloxacin pressure was withdrawn, but only partially reversible by the removal of norfloxacin and ofloxacin. Thus, these experiments indicate that in the presence of some fluoroquinolones, a conditional response resulting in mucoid conversion and antibiotic resistance may occur. Received: 28 January 1997 / Accepted: 12 February 1997     

Nitrogen removal from secondary effluent by using integrated constructed wetland system

The treatment capacity of an integrated constructed wetland system (CWS) that was designed to reduce nitrogen (N) from secondary effluent was explored. The integrated CWS consisted of vertical-flow constructed wetland, floating bed and sand filter. The vertical-flow wetland was filled with gravel, steel slag and peat from the bottom to the top. Vetiver zizanioides was selected to grow in the vertical-flow constructed wetland and Coix lacrymajobi L. was grown in the floating bed. The results showed that the integrated CWS displayed superior removal efficiency for nitrate nitrogen (NO₃⁻-N), ammonia nitrogen (NH₄⁺-N), nitrite nitrogen (NO₂⁻-N), and total nitrogen (TN). The average NO₃⁻-N, NO₂⁻-N, NH₄⁺-N and TN removal efficiencies of the integrated CWS were 98.83%, 95.60%, 98.05% and 92.41%, respectively, during the whole experimental operation. The integrated CWS may have a good potential for removing N from secondary effluent.     

Evaluation of commercial and natural food in experimental cultures of white shrimp based on stable carbon isotopes

The farming of shrimp is developing quickly worldwide, and recently, ingredients such as seaweeds in low proportion (25 to 4 %), incorporated into the commercial food, have been shown to improve the shrimp productive variables. The change of commercial foods to commercial feed with a proportion of natural food, and finally, to natural food has been little and simultaneously evaluated. The aim of our study was to determine the relative contribution of dietary carbon to the growth of Litopenaeus vannamei fed with a proportion of 4 % Sargassum (δ¹³C = ?20.9?±?0.05?‰), 4 % Ulva (δ¹³C = ?20.6?±?0.6?‰) meal, and a control diet (δ¹³C?=??22.6?±?0.2?‰) in 60-L tanks for 30 days, and finally, with the green seaweed Ulva spp. (δ¹³C = ?13.2?±?0.25?‰) and Ulva meal (δ¹³C = ?14.5?±?0.6?‰) in open-air ponds for 120 days, by measuring δ¹³C for each of the foods and in the muscle of shrimp. After 15 days, the rates of metabolic turnover (Δ¹³C = δ¹³C_shrimp ? δ¹³C_food) were constant until the end of the experiment in the tanks. The muscle of shrimp assimilated carbon from all diets, which demonstrated the potential use of combined diets and the optimization of their use in diets containing seaweed. Our data will be useful in future interpretations of field and laboratory isotopic values for this species.     

Hydrologic and Vegetative Removal of Cryptosporidium parvum,Giardia lamblia,and Toxoplasma gondii Surrogate Microspheres in Coastal Wetlands

Constructed wetland systems are used to reduce pollutants and pathogens in wastewater effluent, but comparatively little is known about pathogen transport through natural wetland habitats. Fecal protozoans, including Cryptosporidium parvum, Giardia lamblia, and Toxoplasma gondii, are waterborne pathogens of humans and animals, which are carried by surface waters from land-based sources into coastal waters. This study evaluated key factors of coastal wetlands for the reduction of protozoal parasites in surface waters using settling column and recirculating mesocosm tank experiments. Settling column experiments evaluated the effects of salinity, temperature, and water type (“pure” versus “environmental”) on the vertical settling velocities of C. parvum, G. lamblia, and T. gondii surrogates, with salinity and water type found to significantly affect settling of the parasites. The mesocosm tank experiments evaluated the effects of salinity, flow rate, and vegetation parameters on parasite and surrogate counts, with increased salinity and the presence of vegetation found to be significant factors for removal of parasites in a unidirectional transport wetland system. Overall, this study highlights the importance of water type, salinity, and vegetation parameters for pathogen transport within wetland systems, with implications for wetland management, restoration efforts, and coastal water quality.     

Nutrient removal in wetlands with different macrophyte structures in eastern Lake Taihu,China

A natural wetland of about 12 000 m² along the east coast of Lake Taihu was separated into five subzones with different macrophyte structures to investigate their nutrient removal dynamics. Wastewater was continuously pumped into the wetland from July 2008 to June 2009 at an average rate of 22 m³/h. Neighboring natural wetland with high density of macrophyte was chosen as a comparison site. The removal of TN, TDN, TP, and TDP in the experimental wetlands as a whole was about 79.3, 54.5, 4.5, and 3.4 kg, respectively. The decrease of nitrogen concentration was more pronounced in winter (January–March) 2009, representing a respective reduction of 46.4%, 48.0%, and 47.9% in TN, TDN, and NH₄–N concentration. Results reveal a higher nutrient removal potential in wetland dominated by Typha orientalis Presl, Zizania latifolia Turcz, and Hemarthria sibirica under high nutrient load. However, areas dominated by Zizania latifolia Turcz, Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn, and Ceratophyllum demersum L. had better purification performance when the above-water-surface macrophytes were harvested frequently. Dissolved oxygen, pH, and oxidation–reduction potential decreased with the increase of the percentage of Zizania latifolia Turcz-dominated macrophytes. High nutrient concentration in the comparison site and net increase of NH₄–N in Z1 indicate the possibility of water re-pollution by intense macrophyte decomposition. Furthermore, results suggest that harvesting macrophytes has potential ability in nitrogen, especially ammonium nitrogen removal, and hence could be considered in wetland construction for lake restoration.     

Activity and synergistic interactions of stilbenes and antibiotic combinations against bacteria in vitro

The synergistic antibacterial activity of two stilbenes [3,4??,5-trihydroxystilbene (1) and 3,5-dihydroxy-4-isopropylstilbene(2)] purified from a Bacillus sp. N strain associated with entomopathogenic nematode Rhabditis (Oscheius) in combination with ciprofloxacin and cefotaxime was investigated. The activity of the stilbenes and standard antibiotics on bacteria were determined using the macrodilution method. The minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration of the stilbenes was compared with that of the standard antibiotics. The antibacterial activities of stilbenes against pathogenic bacteria were assessed using the checkerboard and time-kill methods to evaluate the synergistic effects of stilbenes in treatment with ciprofloxacin or cefotaxime. The results of the present study showed that the combination effects of both stilbenes with ciprofloxacin were synergistic (FIC index <0.5). Whereas stilbene 2 with cefotaxime recorded additive. Furthermore, time-kill study showed that the growth of the tested bacteria was completely attenuated with 12?C24?h of treatment with 50:50 ratios of stilbenes and antibiotics. These results suggest that stilbenes combined with antibiotics may be microbiologically beneficial and not antagonistic. These findings have potential implications in delaying the development of resistance as the antibacterial effect is achieved with lower concentrations of both drugs (antibiotics and stilbenes). The in vitro synergistic activity of stilbenes and antibiotics against bacteria is reported here for the first time.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Daphnia galeata</Emphasis> in the deep hypolimnion: spatial differentiation of a “typical epilimnetic” species

One of the most serious threats to tropical mangrove ecosystems caused by shrimp farming activities is the poor management of pond waste materials. We hypothesise that mangroves can tolerate chemical residues discharged from shrimp farms and can be used as biofilters, but the capability of mangroves to cope with solid sediments dredged from shrimp ponds is limited. Our study in Pak Phanang, Thailand, confirmed that the excess sediments discharged from nearby shrimp ponds reduced mangrove growth rates and increased mortality rates. A series of transformed multi-temporal satellite images was used in combination with the field data to support this claim. In addition, a comparison between four dominant mangrove species revealed that Avicennia marina could tolerate sedimentation rates of >6 cm year⁻¹, while Bruguiera cylindrica tolerated sedimentation rates of 5 cm year⁻¹ (total sediment depth = 25 cm) before dying, while Excoecaria agallocha and Lumnitzera racemosa performed intermediate. This outcome implied that in our situation A. marina and to lesser extent E. agallocha and L. racemosa could be more effective as biofilters than B. cylindrica, as they may survive the sedimentation longer in the disposal areas. Further studies on the impact of sedimentation and chemical pollution of shrimp farm wastes on mangrove mortality and growth are required.     

Long-term production dynamics of aquatic vegetation in the Arakhlei Lake (Eastern Transbaikalia)

Long-term data on aquatic vegetation production in the mesotrophic Arakhlei Lake was comparatively analyzed. The results demonstrated that the production dynamics of aquatic vegetation communities depend on the water-level conditions of the lake. The data on the succession of dominant vegetation communities are given: Chara sp. and Ceratophyllum demersum → C. demersum and Lemna trisulca. At the same time, the increased proportion of C. demersum and L. trisulca pointed to an increased anthropogenic stress on the lake.     

Charophyte occurrence in Ceratophyllum demersum stands

The hornwort Ceratophyllum demersum is a loosely attached to the bottom or free-floating vascular macrophyte, which builds dense stands in nutrient-rich waters. The hornwort stands are usually monospecific communities with a negligible contribution of other aquatic plants. However, some published literature data and our own observations evidenced the co-occurrence of densely growing Ceratophyllum and other macrophytes, including charophytes, which by contrast to hornwort are indicative of clear and less productive waters. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify the charophyte species growing in C. demersum stands and to define the environmental conditions promoting this co-occurrence. In 18 natural lakes of Western Poland, 60 stands of Ceratophyllum demersum were studied in the years 2001–2005. A total of 25 species built the studied stands. As many as eight charophyte species, 13 vascular plants, two moss species and one filamentous alga co-occurred with C. demersum. Among charophytes rare to Poland Chara polyacantha and Nitella gracilis were identified. Nitellopsis obtusa and Chara globularis revealed the highest frequencies along with Myriophyllum spicatum. Morphology of lakes combined with water quality, particularly transparency, appeared to regulate the coexistence of charophytes and C. demersum, macrophytes usually competing with each other.     

Biomonitoring of trace metal contamination in mangrove-lined Brazilian coastal systems using the oyster Crassostrea rhizophorae: comparative study of regions affected by oil, salt pond and shrimp farming activities

The oyster Crassostrea rhizophorae has been used as a biomonitor of trace metal contamination in two Brazilian coastal systems. C. rhizophorae were collected in January 1998 from 15 stations (from 4 coastal inlets (including 1 estuary) and 1 coastal beach) near Macau, Rio Grande do Norte (RN), Brazil, a region affected by the activities of the oil industry and salt manufacture in coastal salt ponds; oysters were also collected in September 1999 from 8 stations in the Curimatau estuary (RN), an estuary becoming increasingly affected by shrimp farming activities. C. rhizophorae is a net accumulator of trace metals and can be used as a biomonitor, the accumulated soft tissue concentrations representing integrated records of bioavailable metal over the life of the oyster. At Macau, significant differences in oyster accumulated concentrations (and hence bioavailabilities to the oyster) of Fe, Zn, Cu, and Mn were found between stations; raised zinc availabilities at the coastal site are in close proximity to oil industry activities but the very high availabilities of Fe, Cu and Mn in the Rio dos Cavalos estuary originate from an unknown source. In the Curimatau estuary, bioavailabilities of Mn, Pb and Cd, but particularly of Cu and Zn, to the oysters are raised at the two most downstream sites, the only sites below the effluent of a large shrimp farming enterprise. The oysters also act as a local food source, and concentrations of Zn, Cu and Pb of some of the oysters are above typical public health recommended limits.     

镉在土壤-香根草系统中的迁移及转化特征

以无植物组处理为对照,采用盆栽试验方式探讨不同Cd浓度胁迫条件下香根草根际土壤中重金属Cd的积累、迁移及转化特征。土壤Cd处理设4个浓度梯度,分别为0、2、20、80 mg/kg土壤干重。结果表明:(1)香根草可以显著降低土壤中生物有效态Cd和总Cd含量。(2)香根草各部分Cd积累量随处理浓度的增加和处理时间的延长而增加,90 d时80 mg/kg处理组地上部分和根的Cd积累量分别高达180.42 mg/kg和241.54 mg/kg。(3)各浓度Cd处理下,富集系数随着Cd处理浓度的增加而显著降低,随处理时间的延长而升高。(4)香根草地上部分Cd含量小于根部,各处理转移系数均小于1。随着处理时间的延长,中低浓度处理组的转移系数稍有降低,高浓度处理组的转移系数则显著上升。(5)种植香根草使其根际土中残渣态的Cd转化为生物有效态Cd,提高Cd清除效率。研究结果表明,香根草能够有效地吸收土壤中的Cd,降低土壤中总Cd含量,提高土壤安全性,可作为Cd污染地区植物修复的备选物种。     

Acute Toxicity of Arsenic under Different Temperatures and Salinity Conditions on the White Shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei

The aim of this study was to determine acute toxicity in the post larvae of the white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei after 96 h of exposure to dissolved arsenic under three different temperatures and salinity conditions. Recent reports have shown an increase in the presence of this metalloid in coastal waters, estuaries, and lagoons along the Mexican coast. The white shrimp stands out for its adaptability to temperature and salinity changes and for being the main product for many commercial fisheries; it has the highest volume of oceanic capture and production in Mexican shrimp farms. Lethal concentrations (LC₅₀–96 h) were obtained at nine different combinations (3?×?3 combinations in total) of temperature (20, 25, and 30 °C) and salinity (17, 25, and 33) showing mean LC₅₀–96 h values (±standard error) of 9.13?±?0.76, 9.17?±?0.56, and 6.23?±?0.57 mgAs?L^?1(at 20 °C and 17, 25, and 33 salinity); 12.29?±?2.09, 8.70?±?0.82, and 8.03?±?0.59 mgAs?L^?1 (at 25 °C and 17, 25, and 33 salinity); and 7.84?±?1.30, 8.49?±?1.40, and 7.54?±?0.51 mgAs?L^?1 (at 30 °C and 17, 25, and 33 salinity), respectively. No significant differences were observed for the optimal temperature and isosmotic point of maintenance (25 °C–S 25) for the species, with respect to the other experimental conditions tested, except for at 20 °C–S 33, which was the most toxic. Toxicity under 20 °C–S 33 conditions was also higher than 25 °C–S 17 and 20 °C (S 17 or 25). The least toxic condition was 25 °C–S 17. All this suggests that the toxic effect of arsenic is not affected by temperature changes; it depends on the osmoregulatory pattern developed by the shrimp, either hyperosmotic at low salinity or hiposmotic at high salinity, as observed at least on the extreme salinity conditions here tested (17 and 33). However, further studies testing salinities near the isosmotic point (between 20 and 30 salinities) are needed to clarify these mechanisms.