|
The family Chironomidae (Insecta: Diptera) is the most abundant group among aquatic insects. Due to its short life cycle, small size and high density, different species of chironomids have been used in acute toxicity tests. Those studies have focused on various features of the toxic effects on the midges as indicators of pollution such as mortality, genetic structure, morphology, and physiology. Behavioral responses to various heavy metal agents also could be used as an indicator of environmental degradation. In collaboration with Prof. Tae-Soo Chon of Pusan National University, I used larvae of Chironomus flaviplumus to explore the possibility of using the behavioral responses as a biological indicator of heavy metal pollution of water. Under higher concentration of copper, larvae increased out-shelter behavior.
 |
  |