Responses of the copepod Eurytemora affinis to trace metal exposure: A candidate for sentinel to marine sediment resuspension effects

Our study reports the ability of Eurytemora affinis to indicate certain responses in 96 h when exposed to resusopended sediment from a polluted site (PS, Seine estuary, France), less polluted site (LPS, Canche estuary, France) and dissolved trace metals. Mortality from dissolved trace metal was highest (57.5 %) followed by PS (38.59 %) > LPS (24.04 %). The exposure to PS sediment resulted in significantly lower no. of early larval stage (nauplii < 2), sex-ratio (39.24 % of males) and higher ovigerous female (>10). Eurytemora affinis bioaccumulated high concentrations of copper (27.3 mg/kg), nickel (12.8 mg/kg), lead (21.8 mg/kg) and arsenic (13.7 mg/kg) from PS exposure with significantly lower bioaccumulation of metals from LPS. The bioconcentration factor (BCF) was highest from dissolved toxicity (>2000) followed by PS that showed significantly higher BCF for Nickel and Copper, compared to LPS. The responses of E. affinis to different matrices exemplify its role as a sentinel.

Automated summary

Our study reveals the ability of Eurytemora affinis to respond to different environmental factors. Exposure to sediment from a polluted site leads to a decrease in early larval stages, disrupted sex ratio, and an increase in ovigerous females. Additionally, E. affinis can accumulate various heavy metals, with the highest accumulation observed for dissolved trace metals.