Effects of a candidate antifouling compound (medetomidine) on pheromone induced mate search in the amphipod Corophium volutator |
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Authors: | Krång Anna-Sara Dahlström Mia |
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Institution: | aDepartment of Marine Ecology, Göteborg University, Kristineberg Marine Research Station, S-450 34 Fiskebäckskil, Sweden bDepartment of Cell and Molecular Biology, Göteborg University, PO Box 462, S-405 30 Göteborg, Sweden |
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Abstract: | Environmental hazards associated with traditional, toxic antifouling coatings based on heavy metals calls for the development of alternative, environmentally acceptable antifouling compounds. Medetomidine ((±)-4-1-(2,3-dimethylphenyl)ethyl]-1H-imidazole) is a candidate antifouling biocide which impedes settlement of barnacles in the nanomolar range. Prior to introducing novel biocides it is of great importance to consider potential effects on non-target organisms. This study is the first to investigate the effects of medetomidine on the amphipod Corophium volutator, specifically effects on male mate search behaviour. In a laboratory, Y-maze bioassay, C. volutator males were allowed to follow female pheromones after 24 h exposure to 0 (control), 0.01 and 0.1 μg mL?1 medetomidine. We found that exposure to medetomidine at both concentrations significantly reduced pheromone induced mate search (by 42–71%), with fewer males crawling towards female odour. The results obtained indicate that medetomidine may impair the reproductive fitness of non-target crustaceans, an aspect that needs to be considered before further commercialisation. |
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Keywords: | Amphipod Corophium volutator Medetomidine Alternative antifouling compound Pheromone Reproductive behaviour |
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