Abstract
Acute and chronic toxicity tests with selenite-selenium (selenite-Se) were conducted onDaphnia pulex. The 48-hr static LC50 was 3.87 mg/L selenite-Se. The sublethal effects of 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8 mg/L selenite-Se on the survival, growth, and reproduction ofD. pulex were monitored for 28 days, and the results were analyzed statistically by brood. Appreciable mortality occurred only at 0.8 mg/L Se. Growth, as measured by body length, was depressed at the highest concentration during the preadult instars and was slightly stimulated during the later adult instars. Number of live young per brood was depressed at 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8 mg/L Se during the early broods and apparently was stimulated in later broods. Reproductive dysfunction (i.e., dead young, deteriorated eggs, and abortions) was significant only at higher concentrations in the early broods. Results of the chronic study based on the brood method of analysis indicated safe concentrations between 0.2 and 0.4 mg/L selenite (Se).
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Reading, J.T., Buikema, A.L. Chronic effects of selenite-selenium onDaphnia pulex . Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 12, 399–404 (1983). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01057582
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01057582