Effects of ocean acidification on the biochemistry, physiology and parental transfer of Ampelisca brevicornis (Costa, 1853)

Area of Science:

• Marine Biology
• Ecotoxicology
• Climate Change Research

Background:

• Ocean acidification (OA), driven by excess CO2, poses a significant threat to marine ecosystems.
• Research on OA's impact on crustaceans, particularly physiological and ecosystem effects, remains limited.
• Ampelisca brevicornis is a keystone estuarine crustacean species.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the physiological and biochemical impacts of ocean acidification on the estuarine amphipod Ampelisca brevicornis.
• To assess the vulnerability of A. brevicornis across multiple generations (F0 and F1) under simulated future OA conditions.
• To provide baseline data for understanding climate change implications on marine invertebrates.

Main Methods:

• Laboratory experiments exposing A. brevicornis (F0 and F1 generations) to four pH levels (8.1, 7.5, 7.0, 6.5).
• Monitoring survival rates, growth, burrowing behavior, locomotor activity, swimming speed, ventilation rate, and reproductive performance.
• Analyzing physiological and biochemical responses linked to oxidative stress.

Main Results:

• Survival significantly decreased with declining pH over time, with a notable pH-time interaction.
• F1 juveniles exhibited higher survival but reduced growth compared to F0.
• Acidification negatively affected growth, behavior, activity, speed, ventilation, and reproduction, likely due to induced oxidative stress.

Conclusions:

• Ampelisca brevicornis is more vulnerable to ocean acidification than previously thought, with significant multi-generational impacts.
• Observed physiological impairments suggest long-term negative effects and potential ecological consequences for marine food webs.
• This study provides crucial data for climate change impact models and marine ecosystem management strategies.