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Methodological Issues

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The Pollution Biology of Aquatic Oligochaetes

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Abstract

Suggestions are made on sampling devices, sample processing, measurement of biomass, and preparation of material for identification. In addition, issues relating to the use of biomass rather than abundance as a response variable are addressed. Advice is also provided on many aspects of culturing oligochaetes and factors that should be considered or verified, such as genetic strains of the same species that can have different reproductive or growth patterns. The culture of marine and estuarine oligochaetes has not been standardised to the same degree as for freshwater species. Identification of worms inhabiting polluted areas does not generally require specialised training or extensive taxonomical expertise, as typically only a few species occur. However, for reference sites in a field survey the assistance of an oligochaete specialist is strongly recommended. Various factors relevant to toxicity testing are addressed including the use of artificial sediment, removal of indigenous organisms, identification of cocoons, the use of food supplements and confounding factors. Finally, gut purging, duration and density of exposures for bioaccumulation studies and handling of specimens is discussed.

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  1. Department of Zoology and Animal Cell Biology Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country, 644, Bilbao, 48080, Spain

    Pilar Rodriguez

  2. Acadia Centre for Estuarine Research National Water Research Institute Environment Canada, Acadia University, 115, Wolfville, NS, B4P 2R6, Canada

    Trefor B. Reynoldson

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Rodriguez, P., Reynoldson, T.B. (2011). Methodological Issues. In: The Pollution Biology of Aquatic Oligochaetes. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-1718-3_6

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