Effect of NaCl on Feeding Behaviors of H. Azteca

Abstract

Research suggests that freshwater salinization elicits toxicity to a variety of freshwater aquatic invertebrates. While less is known about the ecosystem effects of salinization, previous studies have found that it can influence trophic interactions, altering ecosystem structure. One way it may alter tropic interactions is by impacting organism feeding behaviors. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the effects of sublethal concentrations of road salts, specifically NaCl, on Hyalella azteca shredding behavior of Acer saccharum (sugar maple leaves). Adult H. azteca were exposed to various sublethal concentrations of NaCl and the proportion of leaf material broken down into various size categories was determined post exposure. Preliminary data indicates that NaCl may have an impact on the feeding rates of H. azteca and the particle size distribution of leaves processed by this species. Increased concentrations of NaCl reduced the amount of leaf material converted into finer particles. If freshwater salinization impacts how H. azteca process leaf materials it may not only impact the health of this species, but other species in aquatic systems that depend on the smaller-sized leaf materials.