Chronic effects of the photoenhanced toxicity of anthracene on Daphnia magna reproduction

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Abstract
The chronic effects of exposure to anthracene and ultraviolet radiation (UVR) on Daphnia magna reproduction were investigated. D. magna were exposed to anthracene in the presence or absence of ecologically relevant intensities of UVR for 21 d. Exposure to 8.2 μg/L anthracene in the absence of UVR significantly reduced the number of neonates produced by 13.8%; however, exposure to UVR in the absence of anthracene had no significant effect on the fecundity of D. magna. Concurrent exposure of D. magna to UVR and anthracene resulted in further reduced survival and fecundity. Exposure of D. magna to 7.2 μg/L anthracene and 117 μW/cm2 UV‐A radiation resulted in 70% mortality or a 69% decrease in production of neonates by D. magna that survived. The reduction in fecundity was proportional to both anthracene concentration and UVR intensity. Equations were developed that predict the relative percent reduction in production of neonates due to the photoenhanced toxicity of anthracene given a particular anthracene concentration and UVR intensity.