Inhibition of coral fertilisation and larval metamorphosis by tributyltin and copper
Negri, A.P.; Heyward, A.J. (2001). Inhibition of coral fertilisation and larval metamorphosis by tributyltin and copper. Mar. Environ. Res. 51(1): 17-27
In: Marine Environmental Research. Applied Science Publishers: Barking. ISSN 0141-1136; e-ISSN 1879-0291, more
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| Keywords |
Agents > Antifouling substances
Agents > Inhibitors
Animal products > Coral
Biological phenomena > Metamorphosis
Chemical elements > Metals > Transition elements > Heavy metals > Copper
Developmental stages > Larvae
Reproduction > Sexual reproduction > Biological fertilization
Toxicants
Tributyltin
Marine/Coastal |
| Authors | | Top |
- Negri, A.P., correspondent
- Heyward, A.J.
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| Abstract |
Fertilisation and larval metamorphosis of reef-building corals are important life history events leading to recruitment of juvenile corals to reef populations. Little is known of the sensitivity of these early life phases to pollution, or their relative susceptibility to certain toxicants compared with established coral colonies. Inhibition of fertilisation and larval metamorphosis of the coral Acropora millepora (Ehrenberg, 1834) was assessed in response to solutions of the antifoulants tributyltin (TBT) and copper (Cu) using laboratory-based bioassays. Nominal concentrations that inhibited 50% fertilisation and metamorphosis (IC50) were calculated from 4 h fertilisation and 24 h metamorphosis assays and were based on introduced dose. Cu was most potent towards fertilisation with an IC50 of 17.4 µg/l. TBT however, proved more toxic to larval metamorphosis having an IC50 of 2.0 µg/l. Inert surfaces coated with either Cu- or TBT-based antifouling paint also inhibited fertilisation and metamorphosis. The degree of inhibition was correlated with surface area of the paint coating. These results indicate fertilisation and metamorphosis of coral can be sensitive to active components of antifouling paints. |
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