A review of the factors affecting the ecotoxicology of Diporeia spp.

Based on its biomass, Diporeia spp. represent the major benthic invertebrat e in offshore waters of the Great Lakes. This work reviews the recent findi ngs of factors influencing the organism with particular focus on interpreti ng the potential for contaminant stress, with an emphasis on organic contam inants, and the benthic pelagic link for contaminant food web transfer. The review includes examination of the environmental features that limit the d istribution and population density. The physiology of Diporeia spp., includ ing energy storage, respiration, and nutrient elimination, are discussed. T he toxicokinetics from both aqueous and sediment exposures are reviewed, as well as both the environmental factors that influence the kinetics and the limitations to our knowledge. The interactions of the physiology and toxic okinetics are presented for interpretation of toxic responses and the sensi tivity of the organism to selected contaminants. Finally, this review sugge sts areas where increased information is needed to improve our understandin g of Diporeia toxicokinetics and toxicity In the Great Lakes environment.