Effects of 17-α-estradiol on a free-living marine nematode community: a microcosm experiment

Abstract

A microcosm experiment was used to examine the effects of 17-α-estradiol on a nematode community. Four 17-α-estradiol concentrations (0.15, 0.31, 0.62 and 1.24 ppm) were tested, and effects were examined after 30 days. Significant differences were noted between nematode assemblages from the control and those from 17-α-estradiol treatments. Total nematode abundance, Shannon–Wiener index and evenness were affected by 17-α-estradiol contamination, but species richness was unaffected. Chromadorina metulata and Ascolaimus elongatus were eliminated at all doses tested and seemed to be intolerant to estradiol. Kraspedonema octogoniata decreased at all doses and could be categorised as sensitive to estradiol contamination. Spirinia gerlachi increased at all doses tested and seemed to be an opportunistic species at the doses tested.

Keywords: community structure, emerging contaminants, estradiol contamination, experimental study, marine nematodes, xeno-oestrogens

African Journal of Aquatic Science 2013, 38(3): 305–311