Sub-Lethal Effects of Hypoxia/Hypercapnia on Callinectes Sapidus in the York River Estuary, Virginia
DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/CVXJ-S978
Defense Date
1999
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Environmental Sciences
First Advisor
Dr. Peter L. DeFur
Abstract
This research examined effects of hypoxic environments on blue crabs, Callinectes sapidus in an estuarine environment. Hypoxic conditions were treated as a multiple stressor involving low dissolved oxygen (D.O.), increased carbon dioxide (hypercapnia), and low pH concurrently. The objectives were to: 1) identify hypoxiahypercapnia by monitoring D.O. and pH as an indicator of hypercapnia in shallow regions of the York River, 2) measure blue crab abundance, and 3) describe blue crab responses to hypoxiahypercapnia via field work at Taskinas Creek and lab measurements of respiration. Ambient D.O. and pH were positively correlated in the Taskinas Creek and York River sites (r= .73). Crab abundance (CPUE) was not significantly different among D.O. and pH ranges. It was concluded that hemolymph blood lactate concentration was not considered a good in situ biomarker for exposure to hypoxickypercapnic conditions. Oxygen uptake was not significantly different between normoxic and hypoxic conditions but was significantly affected by pH.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
June 2008