Effects of Exposing Two Non-Target Crustacean Species, Asellus aquaticus L., and Gammarus fossarum Koch., to Atrazine and Imidacloprid

The physiological responses of two freshwater crustaceans, Asellus aquaticus L. and Gammarus fossarum Koch., following in vitro exposure to two pesticides were measured. Both species responded to short-term exposure with elevated levels of Respiration (R) and/or lower levels of Electron Transport System (ETS) activity. 1 h exposure to concentrations of up to 10 mg L⁻¹ showed an effect in both test species. Laboratory tests confirmed that G. fossarum is more sensitive to short-term pesticide exposure than A. aquaticus. ETS/R ratio may be used as a quick predictor of effects on organisms exposed to pesticides.