NTU Undergraduates' research April 2014 - Biosciences | Page 38

Abstract
Organisms have evolved behavioural mechanisms to give them the best chance of survival. Anthropogenic activity such
as applying pesticides to crops, work very well in controlling pests from attacking crops, but these pesticides can also
effect non-target organisms. This study looks at a neonicotinoid acetamiprid,to see if it plays more of a major role in
either indirect effects such as starvation or to direct effects of acetamiprid such as muscle weakness and paralysis.The
link between chemical exposure and natural behaviour will be studied and see if this impairs feeding and survival rates.
Gammarus pulex were used to observe the effects, sublethal concentrations were used to impair movement and feeding
ability, which in consequence should cause death by starvation. Experiments were conducted to observe G.pulex
feeding behaviour,movement behaviour,vertical behaviour, geotactic and phototactic behaviour at a range of sublethal
concentrations. Feeding of G.pulex as well as natural movement decreased significantly, these effects were also seen
with the vertical assay as the concentration of acetamiprid increased. The results of the bioassays have been backed up
with literature, proving the hypothesis to be positive. The higher the concentrations of acetamiprid, the more effect this
has on the shrimp, causing a change in the natural behaviour. Which put the G.pulex at a disadvantage when feeding
and also swimming away from predators as the movement of the G.pulex is impaired.
Keywords: Gammarus pulex, Acetamiprid, bioassay, ecotoxicology, behavioral assay, Nicotinic Acetylcholine
Receptor,Acetylcholinesterase, aquatic invertebrate.