Dazed and confused: pesticides alter physiology, behavior, and predator-prey interactions of juvenile and adult blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus)

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dc.contributor.advisorSmee, Delbert Lee
dc.contributor.authorSchroeder-Spain, Kaitlyn J
dc.contributor.committeeMemberShirley, Thomas
dc.contributor.committeeMemberWetz, Michael S.
dc.contributor.committeeMemberZimba, Paul V.
dc.contributor.committeeMemberDeis, Donald
dc.date.accessioned2017-11-02T22:01:14Z
dc.date.available2017-11-02T22:01:14Z
dc.date.issued2017-05
dc.descriptionA dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY in COASTAL AND MARINE SYSTEM SCIENCES in Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi from Corpus Christi, Texas.en_US
dc.description.abstractToxicants (i.e., pesticides) and predators may have large and interacting effects on natural communities by removing species (lethal effect) or by altering organismal physiology or behavior (sublethal effect). Studies evaluating the effects of sublethal concentrations of pesticide mixtures are limited, especially in coastal systems [1]. The purpose of this dissertation research was to investigate both lethal and sublethal effects of realistic pesticide exposure scenarios on two life-stages (juvenile and adult) of an important invertebrate estuarine predator, prey, and fishery species, the blue crab (Callinectes sapidus). Importantly, blue crab populations are declining throughout the U.S., but the potential role of pesticides in declines remains largely unexplored. In a series of laboratory experiments, I investigated: (1) lethal and sublethal effects of a single exposure to carbaryl (carbamate), malathion (organophosphate) and resmethrin (pyrethroid) + PBO (synergist), individually and in mixtures, on juvenile and adult blue crab survival and neuromuscular functioning by measuring changes in mortality, righting time (RT), and eyestalk reflexes. These responses serve as a proxy for the direct effects of exposure on survival and indirect effects on coordinated behaviors critical to blue crab survival (e.g., predator escape or foraging). Pesticides were selected because they are three of the mostly commonly used throughout the U.S. and have different modes of action. Effects observed at the organismal level were subsequently evaluated and linked with changes in (2) predator-prey interactions (mesocosms), and (3) physiological responses (enzyme assays). Lastly, (4) differences in susceptibility between juvenile (post-planktonic) and adult life-stages were also evaluated in behavioral and predator-prey experiments. Sublethal, legally allowable concentrations of individual pesticides and pesticide mixtures negatively affected juvenile and adult blue crabs by (1) reducing survivorship and locomotor functioning, (2) altering predator-prey interactions via changes on foraging rates and increased vulnerability to predators, and (3) increasing metabolic costs (e.g., AChE synthesis). These findings underscore the importance of studying pesticide effects in an ecological context, as juvenile life-stages were not always the most vulnerable, some effects varied non-linearly with concentration, and interactions between individual pesticides in mixtures were not necessarily predicable based on individual exposures. Notably, blue crabs were most sensitive to exposures including pyrethroid (resmethrin) + PBO, which are representative of common co-components of vector control products. Pyrethroid use for mosquito abatement and disease control is expected to increase, and the application of such products near aquatic systems should be carefully evaluated. In blue crabs, behavioral changes (e.g., RT) provided a reliable and sensitive endpoint, indicating altered physiological (i.e., increased AChE activity) and predator-prey interactions (i.e., reduced foraging, increased vulnerability to predators) in the pesticide exposures studied. Results also highlight the importance of studying individual responses with increasing levels of biological organization, e.g., changes in species interactions, as increases in RT unexpectedly corresponded with increased consumption rates in juvenile crabs (e.g., hyperactivity, Chapter 2). In the context of fisheries management and environmental regulations, RT may be a useful endpoint when measured in combination with other responses to indicate chances of survival or altered trophic relationships [2, 3].en_US
dc.description.collegeCollege of Science and Engineeringen_US
dc.description.departmentPhysical and Environmental Sciencesen_US
dc.format.extent152 pages.en_US
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/1969.6/5638
dc.language.isoen_USen_US
dc.rightsThis material is made available for use in research, teaching, and private study, pursuant to U.S. Copyright law. The user assumes full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials. Any materials used should be fully credited with its source. All rights are reserved and retained regardless of current or future development or laws that may apply to fair use standards. Permission for publication of this material, in part or in full, must be secured with the author and/or publisher.en_US
dc.rights.holderSchroeder-Spain, Kaitlyn J.
dc.subjectCarbarylen_US
dc.subjectEstuarineen_US
dc.subjectInvertebrateen_US
dc.subjectmalathionen_US
dc.subjectPBOen_US
dc.subjectResmethrinen_US
dc.titleDazed and confused: pesticides alter physiology, behavior, and predator-prey interactions of juvenile and adult blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus)en_US
dc.typeTexten_US
dc.type.genreDissertationen_US
dcterms.typeText
thesis.degree.disciplineCoastal and Marine System Scienceen_US
thesis.degree.grantorTexas A & M University--Corpus Christien_US
thesis.degree.levelDoctoralen_US
thesis.degree.nameDoctor of Philosophyen_US

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