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A new approach for testing contaminated marine sediments:
fertilization success of lugworms following parental exposure
N. H. B. M. Kaag, E. M. Foekema &
C. T. Bowmer
TNO Applied Marine Research Laboratory, P0. Box .57, 1780
AB Den Helder, The Netherlands
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Abstract
A sediment bioassay is being developed using several
marine benthic invertebrates to assess the effects of parental transfer
of contaminants to the gametes. In this preliminary study, the emphasis
was placed on developing methods for the in vitro fertilization
of lugworm, Arenicola marina, oocytes.
Lugworms exposed to contaminated sediments in outdoor
mesocosms were brought to the laboratory, just before the beginning
of the spawning period. The reliability of an in vitro fertilization
procedure was tested by varying several parts of the method. Main
results are that eggs and embryos may be physically damaged by cleaning
over a sieve. However, as no negative effects were observed when
leaving eggs and sperm together for 24 h, the sperm need not be
washed off until the embryos are preserved for further examination
later on.
At first, incomplete screening of the effects of contaminated
harbour dredged sediments indicated some effect on the reproductive
success.
Keywords: marine sediment toxicity, parental exposure, lugworm,
fertilization success
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