Effects of Road Salts on Feeding Behaviors of Daphnia magna
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Authors
Kohler, Paige
Casey, Ellie
Issue Date
2024-04-04
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Abstract
While the acute toxicity of road salts has been historically. understood for a variety of aquatic invertebrates, there is less research available on the effects of these compounds on ecosystem health and function. Research suggests that freshwater salinization can induce trophic cascades, altering the overall structure of the ecosystem. One way that increasing salinity may do this is by altering organism behaviors. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the effects of road salts, specifically NaCl and an eco-friendly road salt alternative known as beet deicer, on the ability of Daphnia magna to filter green microalgae (Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata) when exposed to sublethal concentrations of road salts. Both neonate and juvenile D. magna were exposed to various sublethal concentrations of
either NaCl or BD, and the proportion of algae removed from the water column was determined post exposure. Preliminary data indicates that road salts may have an impact on the feeding rates of D. magna, however, the magnitude of these effects are unknown. Additionally, this suggests that when road salt concentrations are elevated, namely during the winter months, the function of freshwater ecosystems may be vulnerable to additional stressors.