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Synergistic effects of environmental variables on larvae of Uca pugilator

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Abstract

The effects of sublethal concentrations of mercury in combination with stressful temperature-salinity regimes were considered for larval development of the fiddler crab Uca pugilator (Bosc.). Control organisms were compared to those treated with 1.8 ppb Hg for the following suboptimal regimes: 30°C, 30 ‰ S; 30°C, 20 ‰ S; 20°C, 30 ‰ S, and 20°C, 20 ‰ S. As physiological indicators of larval response, the survival rate, the O2 consumption rate, and phototactic response were measured, following either acute 24 h doses of Hg, or chronic rearing in Hg. All response parameters were modified in larvae maintained under the suboptimal conditions; mercury compounded the effects.

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Author notes

  1. W. B. Vernberg

    Present address: Department of Biology, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Belle W. Baruch Coastal Research Institute, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA

    W. B. Vernberg & P. J. DeCoursey

  2. Department of Biology, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA

    P. J. DeCoursey

  3. Department of Mathematics, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA

    W. J. Padgett

Authors
  1. W. B. Vernberg
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  2. P. J. DeCoursey
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  3. W. J. Padgett
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Additional information

Communicated by J. Bunt, Miami

Supported by Grant No. 18080 FYI from the Environmental Protection Agency.

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Vernberg, W.B., DeCoursey, P.J. & Padgett, W.J. Synergistic effects of environmental variables on larvae of Uca pugilator . Mar. Biol. 22, 307–312 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00391386

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00391386

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