A Review Of The Combined Stress From PH And Microplastic Derived Odours On The Carcinus Maenas Olfactory Capacity
In recent years, a large amount of research has been done on climate change, which predicts ocean acidification (OA) will end up causing a significant drop in the pH of the oceans by the end of the 21st century. Research carried out looking at pH reduction in the oceans show that a drop as little as...
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| Other Authors: | , |
| Format: | Thesis |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
2022
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/file/4297845/1/Thesis https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4297845 |
| Summary: | In recent years, a large amount of research has been done on climate change, which predicts ocean acidification (OA) will end up causing a significant drop in the pH of the oceans by the end of the 21st century. Research carried out looking at pH reduction in the oceans show that a drop as little as 0.5 units can cause issues with behaviour and detection of cues in crustaceans. This drop in pH (0.5 units) is predicted to have occurred by the end of this century. Ocean acidification is causing a wide range of problems including, coral bleaching, warming oceans and shell calcification within certain calcifying species. Every marine species is facing slightly different challenges. While there is considerable data looking at the overall impact on calcifying organisms, relatively little research has been undertaken examining the impacting animal sensory systems (olfactory disruption), as it is considered an ‘invisible’ impact of ocean acidification. The main objectives of this study are to investigate the impact of reduced pH and microplastic odour on the olfactory capacity of the Carcinus maenas, looking in detail at whether the combination of the stressors has a greater impact on olfactory capacity in this crab species. The European shore crab (Carcinus maenas) is a globally invasive species, it originates in European waters but has now spread to foreign waters and can be found globally in places such as the Southeast USA, Australia and South Africa. Like many crustaceans, Carcinus utilise chemical cues to detect food and mating partners. The aim of this study is to obtain a greater understanding of how a combination of stressors (pH and microplastic derived odours) may impact the olfactory capacity of the Carcinus maenas and whether these stressors may influence the behaviours exhibited. Plastic odour, food cues and a female produced sex pheromone cue are the chemical cues being used in this study. Males and females will both be used within the study as females may respond to the pheromone for other reasons, such ... |
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