Effects of endocrine disrupting compounds on embryonic development of opossum shrimps.
Context of the study
Methoprene is an insect regulator used against mosquito's. It interacts with the endocrine system of the mosquito's and impairs their development. However, it is suspected that crustacean invertebrates (like opossum shrimp) might also be sensitive to this endocrine disrupting compound. It might affect the embryonic stages of the shrimp, which form a crucial stage in the live of each organism.[1]
Content of the study
Environmental concentrations of Methoprene range between 0,39 and 8,8 µg/l. This study investigated the impacts of 0,01 µg/l, 1µg/l and 100µg/l of Methoprene on the embryonic development of opossum shrimp. This is the first study which investigated the effects of an endocrine disrupting compound on embryonic development in opossum shrimps.
Main results of the study
Egg survival rate (the percentage of eggs which survive a day) was higher in the control (0µg/l Methoprene) and the 0,01 µg/l Methoprene samples than in the 1µg/l Methoprene and 100µ/l Methoprene samples. The biggest effects were seen on hatching success: 59.7%, 47.8%, 40.2% and 23.3%, for control sample, 0,01 µg/l, 1µg/l and 100µg/l Methoprene respectively. The study concluded that Methoprene interferes with embryonic development opossum shrimps. [1]
