Two-generation toxicity study on the copepod model species Tigriopus japonicus

Abstract

Previous studies on the intertidal copepod Tigripus japonicus have demonstrated that it is a suitable model species for the assessment of acute toxicities of marine pollutants. In order to standardized T.japonicus for use in environmental risk assessment involving whole life cycle exposure, we tested nine pollutants for their effects on growth and reproduction during a two-generation life cycle exposure test. In this study, it was demonstrated that T. japonicus could also be used in reproduction and life cycle tests and it provides an opportunity for testing the chronic and subchronic toxic effects of marine pollutants. Further validation and harmonization in a multi-centric study involving other laboratories of the region will strengthen its use as a supplement to existing model species.