Daphnia Toxicology Experiment
description
Transcript of Daphnia Toxicology Experiment
Daphnia Toxicology Experiment
Bridges 2014
DaphniaFreshwater planktonic crustaceansCyclic parthenogenesis
Favorable conditions: Asexual reproduction of femalesUnfavorable conditions: Sexual reproduction
Reproductive maturity: 3-5 daysFine mesh feeders
Eat bacteria and algaeSwim with an erratic, jerking motion then hang
motionless in the waterMany predators, including fish, shrimp and copepods
ToxicityThe degree to which a substance can damage
an organism or the environmentToxicity is dose dependent
Too much water can be deadlyJust a little snake venom can be deadly
Many household products are toxicThis is an issue when they enter the
environment or our drinking water!
Examples Household ToxinsDrain cleaners Oven cleanersLaundry detergentsFloor or furniture polishPaints PesticidesDisinfectantsCleaning ProductsMany others…
Testing Toxicity with DaphniaPick a substance that you think will be toxic
to DaphniaCreate serial dilution of substance
Think carefully about what dilutions to useShould include:
Positive control (will kill) Negative control (won’t kill)
Transfer live Daphnia to plate containing dilution of potentially toxic substance
Score dead/live Daphnia in each treatment daily