Toxicity of Diuron and copper pyrithione on the brine shrimp, Artemia franciscana: The effects of temperature and salinity

Abstract

Diuron and copper pyrithione (CuPT) are two substances that have been used worldwide as alternatives to tributyltin (TBT) in antifouling paints for the protection of ship hulls. In this study their toxicity against the brine shrimp Artemia franciscana is examined under several combinations of salinity and temperature using the LC₂₀, LC₅₀ and LC₈₀ values found for the 25°C and 35‰ standard conditions. A significant interaction between temperature and salinity effects was observed for both chemicals. Decreasing temperature almost eliminated Diuron's toxicity, while a toxicity reduction was also observed for CuPT. Decreasing salinity decreased Diuron's toxicity, while for CuPT the effect of salinity was more complex. These two natural environmental parameters had a profound influence on the ecotoxicity of the two tested chemicals, and this highlights the importance of considering the implications of such factors when conducting ecological risk assessment.

Keywords:

• Antifouling biocides
• Artemia franciscana
• salinity
• temperature
• acute toxicity
• crustacean

This paper was presented at the CEMEPE conference held on June 24–28, 2007 at the Skiathos Island, Greece