Simon Fraser University
Our Research
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SFU researchers are investigating whether conductivity pulses impact the health and/or survival of benthic invertebrate populations by conducting laboratory and simulated stream studies
MAIN FINDINGS
Chironomus dilutus road salt exposure
Chironomids were exposed to a continuous salt exposure or pulses of salt at four different temperatures for ten days. Generally, continuous exposures to road salt resulted in greater mortality compared to pulsed exposures. Additionally, pulse treatment groups had an increasing trend in LC50s with decreasing temperatures, hence lowered mortality in cooler waters.
(Kurt Guo, SFU)
The LC50 for a pollutant or toxin is the lethal concentration at which there is 50% mortality of test organisms.
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A HIGHER LC50 = LOWER TOXICITY OF A SUBSTANCE
Hyalella (amphipods) and chironomids (midges) are native to freshwater ecosystems throughout Canada.
They are a valuable food source for our Pacific salmon!
Hyalella road salt exposure
Hyalella were exposed to either a continuous salt exposure or pulses of salt at two different temperatures for fourteens days. There were no significant differences in the effects of temperature in either salt exposures. However, the continuous salt exposure resulted in greater mortality compared to the pulse exposures.
(Kurt Guo, SFU)
