Metabolic characteristics of the amphipod <i>Gammarus oceanicus</i> (Crustacea: Amphipoda) exposed to octylphenol (4-T-OP)

The growing impact of human activities on the biosphere requires research into the effects of exposure to hazardous toxic substances on aquatic ecosystems. Ecophysiological parameters of the amphipod Gammarus oceanicus Segerstråle, 1947, such as rates of food consumption, oxygen consumption and phosphate excretion (excreted in the body’s urine), were studied in order to determine the responses of these crustaceans to the influence of a little-studied micropollutant of anthropogenic origin, xenoextrogen, 4-tert-octylphenol (4t-OP). After 28 days of exposure to the lowest concentrations of 4t-OP (0.25 μg/l), a decrease in the feeding and excretory activity of crustaceans was detected, and the level of oxygen consumption was similar to the values in control individuals. All studied parameters of the tested animals changed significantly after the same time of exposure to 2.5 μg/l 4t-OP, showing an adverse effect on the functioning of the crustacean organism. The data obtained can be used to develop criteria for the quality control of the aquatic environment.