Development of an embryo toxicity test to assess the comparative toxicity of metal exposure on different life stages of freshwater gastropods

Despite the importance of studying early life stages, very few standard protocols for benthic invertebrates commonly used in ecotoxicological assessments measure developmental endpoints. The goal of the present study was to develop and optimize a robust standard protocol for studying embryonic endpoints in freshwater gastropods.

The developed method was then used to characterize the sensitivity of numerous embryonic endpoints (viability, hatching, deformities, and biomass production), in conjunction with juvenile and adult mortality, for the snail Planorbella pilsbryi exposed to a suite of metals (Cu, Cd, & Ni). Biomass production was typically the most sensitive endpoint but was relatively variable while embryo hatching was slightly less sensitive but highly consistent for all three metals.