A scanning electron microscope investigation of the effects of pollutants on the hepatopancreatic ceca of Gammarus pulex (L)

Scanning electron microscope studies were performed on the peripheral muscle network (myoepithelium) of the hepatopancreatic ceca of Gammarus pulex (L.) exposed to lindane, copper, or 3,4-dichloroaniline (3,4-DCA) for a 24-hr period. The structural integrity of the myoepithelium of gammarids from control and test treatments was assessed using semiquantitative techniques. The lowest observed effect concentrations for structural changes were determined as 29.8 mu g liter(-1) lindane, 55 mu g liter(-1) copper, and 8.7 mg liter(-1) 3,4-DCA. The sensitivity of the bioassay and the significance of the morphological changes observed in the hepatopancreatic ceca of G. pulex are discussed. (C) 1996 Academic Press.