Effects of medetomidine, a novel antifouling agent, on the burrowing bivalve Abra nitida (Muller)

The effects of medetomidine, a novel antifouling candidate, on the burrowing bivalve Abra nitida were studied. The burrowing behaviour, sediment reworking activity and faeces production were assessed after 24 h exposure of A. nitida to sublethal concentrations of medetomidine. Medetomidine caused a significant decrease in the burrowing response and in the sediment reworking activity. The median effective concentrations (EC50) were 430 nM (86 mu g/l) and 4.4 nM (0.9 mu g/l), respectively. No effects on the faeces production were detected. Although significant effects of medetomidine on A. nitida were registered, a reversibility of the effects was observed when 24 hexposed animals were incubated in clean seawater and sediment for 24 h. Considerations relating to the future commercialisation of medetomidine for antifouling purposes are discussed. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.