Alterations in life-history traits of Chironomus riparius (Diptera) obtained from metal contaminated rivers

• Published in: Archives of environmental contamination and toxicology Vol. 29; no. 4; pp. 469 - 475
• Main Authors: POSTMA, J. F, VAN KLEUNEN, A, ADMIRAAL, W
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Heidelberg Springer-Verlag 01.11.1995; Berlin; New York, NY
• Subjects: Animal, plant and microbial ecology; Applied ecology; Biological and medical sciences; Chironomus riparius; Ecotoxicology, biological effects of pollution; Effects of pollution and side effects of pesticides on protozoa and invertebrates; Freshwater; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Belgium; Netherlands; Europe; Chironomidae; Cadmium; Chironomus riparius; Toxicity; Insecta; Rivers; Heavy metal; Pollutant; Sensitivity resistance; Larva; Arthropoda; Development; Population dynamics; Water pollution; Invertebrata; Diptera; Adaptation; Chemical contamination
• ISSN: 0090-4341; 1432-0703
• DOI: 10.1007/BF00208376

Larvae of the midge (Chironomus riparius) were collected from metal-contaminated river sites. The extent of contamination varied. Laboratory-reared offspring were exposed to a range of cadmium concentrations during a complete life cycle to assess cadmium tolerance for all life-history parameters. Field populations naturally exposed to metals were less sensitive to cadmium than unexposed populations, as shown by larval development times and hatchabilities of egg masses. Larval mortality still increased with cadmium exposure, however, with no apparent difference between exposed and unexposed populations. Life-history patterns differed between metal-tolerant and non-tolerant populations. There are 46 references.