Abstract

Pacifastacus leniusculus was used as a bioindicator to study the effects of agricultural and residential run-off on a stream ecosystem. In a mesocosm approach, stream-side flow-through aquaria were set up along Elk Creek in southwest British Columbia, Canada. Mesocosm facilities were established at three locations, upstream of human activity, approximately mid-way through the watershed in an area of agricultural influences, and downstream of agricultural and residential influences. Hatchery-raised crayfish were exposed to stream water containing run-off from the surrounding land for a period of 60 days in autumn, during a time of manure application and heavy rains. The crayfish were sacrificed and analyzed for mixed function oxygenase (MFO) induction in hepatopancreas and contaminant concentrations in abdominal muscle tissue. Water quality was also monitored and analyzed for organic and inorganic variables. Run-off was evident in the stream water by the increased nutrient concentrations and conductivity, decreased dissolved oxygen, and increased metal concentrations at the downstream locations. The crayfish at the downstream locations indicated a response to increased exposure of inorganic and organic contaminants through their increased contaminant accumulation in abdominal muscle and increased MFO induction.

Supplemental Documents

• There are no supplementary documents for this article

Cited By

Citations: