A behavioral bioassay employing Daphnia for detection of sublethal effects: Response to polarized light |
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Authors: | Jasmine E. Gokcen Donald C. McNaught |
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Affiliation: | Dept. of Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior , University of Minnesota |
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Abstract: | The swimming response of Daphnia pulicaria to polarized white light was examined. This response was employed as a behavioral bioassay to investigate the effects of sodium bromide (NaBr) on Daphnids physiology. The control response to linearly polarized white light involved an orientation at 90° to the e‐vector. With the addition of NaBr the response became more random. An EC50 (concentration which eliminates the response in 50% of the test individuals) of 1.31 x 10‐1 M NaBr was calculated using the statistic von Mises K. A possible mechanism to account for the toxicity of this mild sedative is the blocking by the bromide ion of chloride channels involved in transmitting nerve impulses. |
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Keywords: | Behavioral bioassay polarized light Daphnia sodium bromide |
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