Meeting Abstract
The need for bioindicator species to aid the assessment of anthropogenic impacts on aquatic ecosystems is currently rising due to the continued degradation of environments. Several characteristics of crayfish make them suitable candidates as bioindicators: global distribution, high population densities, low migratory rate, sensitive physiology and behaviors. The demonstrated sensitivity of crayfish as an established bioindicator for an array of anthropogenic toxicants raises interest in the sensitivity of crayfish to emerging contaminants. The emergent contaminant family, per- and poly-fluorinated alky substances (PFAS) has gained research attention due their widespread detection and stability within the environment. Previous research has demonstrated PFAS causes negative effects on the reproductive, endocrine, immune and nervous systems of experimental organisms, however, behavioral effects have not been well documented. The aim of this study was to investigate the behavioral consequences of PFAS exposure on crayfish species and the utility of these organisms as a bioindicator model for PFAS contamination. Differences in the foraging and antipredator response of crayfish were compared between animals collected from various polluted locations in Northern Michigan. Water chemistry sampling provided verification of PFAS concentrations at crayfish sampling sites and was used to determine the relationship between behavioral deficits and PFAS exposure. Analysis resulted in differences in two ecologically relevant bioassays. Due to the prevalence and uptake of PFAS compounds by aquatic organisms, a suitable bioindicator species and further study on fitness related behaviors that may be affected by PFAS are critical.
