Field assessment of reproduction-related traits of chironomids using a newly developed emergence platform (E-Board)

• Published in: Ecotoxicology and environmental safety 2017-03, Vol.137, p.186-193
• Main Authors: Ferrari, Benoît J.D., Faburé, Juliette
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Biological Assay - methods; Biomonitoring; Chironomidae - drug effects; Chironomidae - growth & development; Chironomus riparius; Dynamic Energy Budget; Endocrine disruptors; Environmental Monitoring - instrumentation; Environmental Monitoring - methods; Geologic Sediments - chemistry; Larva - drug effects; Larva - growth & development; Life Sciences; Models, Theoretical; Reproduction; Reproduction - drug effects; Rivers - chemistry; Sediment; Water Pollutants, Chemical - analysis
• ISSN: 0147-6513; 1090-2414
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2016.12.004

Further progress in the development of reliable biomonitoring strategies requires to better link effects in aquatic ecological systems to ambient concentrations of chemical contaminants. Among existing tools, in situ bioassays using caging method represent an interesting way to achieve this challenge. However, elaboration of adapted exposure chambers and suitable operating procedures is still required, particularly to assess ecological relevant traits such as those related to the reproduction. In such context, we developed a new device (Emergence board – E-Board) which allows assessing in rivers the development of the Chironomus riparius species from the early fourth instar larvae to the adult stage. The system acts as a suspended matter trap floating in the subsurface of the water equipped of an emergence trap for catching adults. The system was tested in actual field conditions. Its easy handling allowed obtaining data which demonstrated its applicability for assessing the development of the chironomids. Moreover, by adapting energy-based models (DEB) specifically developed in the laboratory for the species C. riparius, we were able to predict the growth pattern and the emergence of chironomids in real environmental conditions. The E-Board represents thus a promising new in situ tool in perspective of evaluation of the quality of the ecosystems. [Display omitted] •A new in situ system (E-Board) was developed to assess reproduction-related traits of chironomids.•E-Board acts as a suspended matter trap equipped of an emergence trap for catching adults.•E-Board is easy to use and well adapted to the requirements of chironomids for their developments.•Energy-based models (DEB) successfully predicts their growth and emergence in real conditions.•The system represents a promising tool in perspective of biomonitoring to assess reprotoxic effects.