Investigating the Toxicity of Nonylphenol in Juvenile Faxonius propinquus Crayfish

Nonylphenol (NP) is a commonly used chemical that accumulates in aquatic environments and negatively impacts aquatic life. Previous studies in our lab have shown that NP can reduce olfaction, reproduction, and molting frequency in adult crayfish. Although lethal doses of NP in adult crayfish have been determined, no studies have determined the concentrations in which NP is lethal to juveniles. We hypothesized that juveniles are more susceptible to the effects of NP than adults. Male and female juveniles weighing 3.00g or less were isolated for 2 days prior to a 24-hour exposure to various concentrations of NP. Results indcate that 100% of juvenile crayfish exposed at 0.05 ug/L survived, 75% survived at 0.1 ug/L, 62.5% at 0.125 ug/L, and 0% at or above 0.15 ug/L, indicating that lethal effects occur at very low concentrations. Further studies will investigate the effects of NP on juvenile physiology and could offer insight for other aquatic species exposed to NP during their lifespans