Grantee Research Project Results

Chronic Effects of Cadmium and Copper on Palaemonetes pugio and Leptocheeirus plumulosus at the Levels of the Individual, Population, and Assemblage

EPA Grant Number: U915999
Title: Chronic Effects of Cadmium and Copper on Palaemonetes pugio and Leptocheeirus plumulosus at the Levels of the Individual, Population, and Assemblage
Investigators: Manyin, Teresa A.
Institution: University of Maryland - College Park
EPA Project Officer: Packard, Benjamin H
Project Period: January 1, 2001 through January 1, 2004
Project Amount: $98,104
RFA: STAR Graduate Fellowships (2001) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Fellowship - Toxicology , Academic Fellowships , Human Health

Objective:

The objective of this research project is to examine the chronic effects of aqueous cadmium (Cd) and copper (Cu) on the physiology and ecology of two estuarine species: Palaemonetes pugio (grass shrimp) and Gammarus mucronatus (an epibenthic amphipod). Cd and Cu are toxics of concern in the Chesapeake Bay, where both species are abundant and play key roles in the system's trophic structure.

Approach:

A hierarchical set of experiments is being performed to examine effects of the metals at three distinct levels of biological organization in both species. First, physiological and bioenergetic effects of a 2-week exposure are being examined at the level of the individual. Second, effects of Cd and Cu at the population level will be described using stage-based projection models, employing data collected from full life-cycle exposures. Finally, effects at the interspecies level are being examined by measuring the predatory rate of P. pugio on G. mucronatus at various concentrations of the metals.

Supplemental Keywords:

fellowship, metals, cadmium, copper, chronic effects, estuarine species, Chesapeake Bay, Palaemonetes pugio, Gammarus mucronatus.

Progress and Final Reports:

The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.