Entomology, Department of
Date of this Version
2023
Document Type
Article
Citation
Master of Science Degree Project, Department of Entomology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023
Abstract
The objective of this study was to examine the effects copper (Cu) on mortality within a pair of test groups of naiads in the order Odonata, and to replicate previous observations regarding their potential uses as indicators for water quality. Few past studies have examined toxicity within relation to the odonates. It has been suggested that this order may contain valuable model organisms (Tollett et al., 2008). Very little focus has been given to odonates as bioindicators, with the few studies done being performed on species that would typically inhabit lentic environments (Trevino, 1999). Similarly, the test subjects for this study belong to a species of skimmer (Anisoptera: Libellulidae), which were observed over the course of a pair of 96-hour, non-renewal acute toxicity assays. Findings indicate a high resistance to copper toxicity. Although examinations on the effects of Cu on fitness were not feasible during the course of study, trends in mortality indicate stress in concentrations below 10 ppm (parts per million). This research suggests that skimmers may be useful as laboratory model organisms in the field of environmental toxicology.
Comments
Copyright 2023, Jeff M. Simpson