Size-selective toxicity effects of the antimicrobial tylosin on estuarine phytoplankton communities

• Published in: Environmental pollution (1987) 2016-09, Vol.216, p.806-810
• Main Authors: Kline, Allison, Pinckney, James L.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anti-Infective Agents - toxicity; Biological Assay; Cryptophyte; Diatom; Estuaries; Inhibition; Pharmaceutical; Phytoplankton - cytology; Phytoplankton - drug effects; Sublethal; Tylosin; Tylosin - toxicity; Water Pollutants, Chemical - toxicity
• ISSN: 0269-7491; 1873-6424
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2016.06.050

The purpose of this study was to determine the lethal and sublethal effects of the antimicrobial tylosin on natural estuarine phytoplankton communities. Bioassays were used in experimental treatments with final concentrations of 5 to 1000 μg tylosin l−1. Maximum percent inhibition ranged from 57 to 85% at concentrations of 200–400 μg tylosin l−1. Half maximum inhibition concentrations of tylosin were ca. 5x lower for small phytoplankton (20 μm) and suggests that small phytoplankton are more sensitive to tylosin exposure. Sublethal effects occurred at concentrations as low as 5 μg tylosin l−1. Environmental concentrations of tylosin (e.g., 0.2–3 μg l−1) may have a significant sublethal effect that alters the size structure and composition of phytoplankton communities. The results of this study highlight the potential importance of cell size on toxicity responses of estuarine phytoplankton. [Display omitted] •This study determined the lethal and sublethal effects of the antimicrobial tylosin on natural estuarine phytoplankton communities.•Half maximum inhibition concentrations of tylosin were ca. 5x lower for small phytoplankton (20 μm).•Environmental concentrations of tylosin may have a significant sublethal effect that alters the size structure and composition of phytoplankton communities.•The results of this study highlight the potential importance of cell size on toxicity responses of estuarine phytoplankton. The two major findings of the research were that there appears to be a size-selective effect of tylosin on natural estuarine phytoplankton and that there was a sublethal effect of tylosin at concentrations approaching those documented for marine environments.