DAO 54:55-60 (2003) - doi:10.3354/dao054055
Toxicity of anti-fouling biocides to Parorchis acanthus (Digenea: Philophthalmidae) cercarial encystment
N. J. Morley1,*, K. M. Y. Leung1,2, D. Morritt1, M. Crane1
ABSTRACT: The toxicity of the anti-fouling biocides tributyltin (TBTO), copper, and Irgarol 1051 (irgarol) at nominal concentrations ranging from 10 to 10000 µg l-1 was investigated against the speed of encystment and successful formation of a protective cyst of the cercariae of Parorchis acanthus. For all biocide exposures, cercariae had a much slower rate of encystment and reduced cyst formation than controls. Exposure of the snail host Nucella lapillus for 7 d caused complete cessation of cercarial shedding in irgarol-exposed snails but had no effect on cercarial encystment from TBTO and copper-exposed snails. The mechanisms of toxicity of the biocides are briefly discussed.
KEY WORDS: Parorchis · Nucella · Cercariae · Encystment · Tributyltin · Copper · Irgarol 1051
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