Qualitative assessment of genotoxicity using random amplified polymorphic DNA: Comparison of genomic template stability with key fitness parameters in Daphnia magna exposed to benzo[a]pyrene

A method of DNA profiling using the random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) was used to assess toxicant-induced DNA effects in laboratory populations of Daphnia magna exposed to varying concentrations of the genotoxic hydroca rbon benzo[a]pyrene. These effects, represented by changes in the RAPD prof iles, were compared with a number of key ecological fitness parameters (age -specific survival, age-specific fecundity, net reproductive rate, and intr insic rate of population increase). Not only was the RAPD profiling method shown to be a rapid and reproducible assay of toxicant-induced DNA effects, but the qualitative measure of genomic template stability compared favorab ly with the traditional indices of fitness. The RAPD profiles, however, exh ibited higher sensitivity in detecting toxic effects. The significance of t hese findings for future ecotoxicological studies is discussed.