Development of cost-effective toxicity tests with the Anostracan crustaceans Streptocephalus proboscideus (Frauenfeld) and Thamnocephalus platyurus (Packard)

CHAPTER 8. Development of cost-effective short chronic larval survival and growth tests with Streptocephalus proboscideus and Thamnocephalus platyurus 177 8.1.Introduction 177 8.2.Materials and methods 179 8.2.1.Experiments with Streptocephalus proboscideus 179 8.2.1.1.Tier I: Factors influencing larval survival and growth 181 8.2.1.1.1.Test medium 181 8.2.1.1.2.Temperature 181 8.2.1.1.3.Water volume and water-renewal frequency 182 8.2.1.1 .4.Test chamber size/shape 182 8.2.1.1.5.Food quality and quantity (and some modifying factors) 183 8.2.1.1.5.1.Different food types, animal density and water volume 183 8.2.1.1.5.2.Combinations of different food types (individual rearing) 185 8.2.1.1 .5.3.Different food types (rotating vessels) 186 8.2.1.1.5.4.Different food types (cylindrico-conical vessels) 187 8.2.1.1.5.5.Combinations of different food types (two test vessels) 187 8.2.1.2.Tier II: Effects of toxicants on larval survival and growth 188 8.2.1.2.1.Toxicity test procedureFirst of all, I thank my promoter, Pro f.Dr. Guido Persoone, who has given me the opportunity to conduct research in his laboratory and has introduced to me the field of aquatic toxicology.I express grateful appreciation for all the facilities that he so kindly made available for use in this study.I have continued to benefit greatly from his support, guidance, comments and close supervision through the past years which have made this task possible.I also wish to convey my heartfelt gratitude to my supervisor, Dr. Luc Brendonck, who has introduced to me the small world of the fairy shrimps.His constant guidance, advice, suggestions, and especially instructions on the biological aspects of this work has educated me a great deal.He is also grate fully ackno wledged for correcting this thesis and allowing me to present our common results on the hatching experiments and acute toxicity testing with S. proboscideus cysts and larvae, respectively.My deep appreciation is expressed to my friend and colleague Ms. Mabel C. Calleja for her help and assistance beyond the call of duty.Our many discussions have provided invaluable suggestions over the years.She is grate fully acknowledged