Research Product

Low-level exposure to fenthion, following ground ULV application of this organophosphate pesticide, resulted in increased mortality and sublethal growth retardation of Mysidopsis bahia. These two processes would reduce population production of this crustacean, which serves as an important link in the estuarine food web. Significantly higher rates of oxygen consumption of exposed mysids 8 days after fenthion application accompanied the reduced growth of exposed mysids. The results of this field study confirm those of earlier laboratory studies, indicating that short-term measurements of metabolic dysfunction in mysids exposed to pesticides may be used to predict altered production rates in mysid populations.