Acute and Chronic Effects of Tributyltin on the Mysid Acanthomysis sculpta (Crustacea, Mysidacea)

Acute and chronic toxicity testing with tributyltin (TET) leachate derive from panels painted with antifouling paint was performed using the mysid species Acanthomysis sculpta (Crutacea, Mysidacea). Tests included a 96-hour acute static renewal, a long-term (63-day) mortality test a series of growth tests in which length and freeze-dried weight were measured, and a reproductive success test. All tests except the 96-hour acute study were performed in a flowthrough dosing regime ranging in concentrations from 0.03- to 0.52 micrograms/L TBT. The acute test was performed within a dose range of 0.25- to 0.66 micrograms/L TBT. In all experiments the dose levels were measured by hydride derivatization and atomic absorption detection. A 96-hour LC50 value for juveniles was determined at 0.42 micrograms/L TBT. Reproductive effects were the most sensitive sublethal indicator of TBT toxicity. A chronic value of 0.14 micrograms/L TBT was determined above which a significantly reduced release of viable juveniles was apparent. Length and weigh, in adult females, were affected in concentrations above 0.31 micrograms/L TBT. At higher concentrations the rate of mortality throughout a life cycle was significantly greater than that of controls. These results suggest that concentrations of TBT 0.14 micrograms/L affect the ability of the mature female to grow and reproduce. Based on the 96-hour LC50 and the most sensitive chronic value measured, reproduction, an acute/chronic ratio of 2.9 was calculated.