Chironomus sancticaroli (Diptera: Chironomidae) in ecotoxicology: laboratory cultures and tests

Abstract

Chironomus sancticaroli is a species restricted to tropical environments, easy to grow and to maintain in laboratory cultures. C. sancticaroli usually has many generations per year, which is an important criteria for selecting a test organism in ecotoxicology. This study aimed to: (1) review the methods for C. sancticaroli cultivate and its use in ecotoxicological tests, (2) establish a laboratory culture of C. sancticaroli, presenting the di culties and discussing the ways to overcome them. The 4th instar larvae was the most used in acute studies, while the 1st instar larvae was the most used in chronic studies; 96 hours and 28 days were the most frequent durations in acute and chronic studies, respectively. The most common endpoints evaluated were organisms' survival and development, and most of the ecotoxicological studies using C. sancticaroli were performed in laboratory. Most of the tested contaminants were of the group of pesticides and these were also the ones that had the most adverse effects on organisms. Most mesocosms with environmental contaminated samples did not show adverse effects on C. sancticaroli. Chronic and eld studies as well as those testing the effects of the mixture contaminants on C. sancticaroli were still de cient. Keeping the laboratory environment and equipment effectively sanitized was important for the success of the cultivate as well as maintain stabilized conditions of temperature, photoperiod, physical, chemical and biological water quality in cultures. HighlightsChironomus sancticaroli is a tropical macroinvertebrate. C. sancticaroli is usually used in ecotoxicological tests.There are many gaps regarding ecotoxicological tests standards for C. sancticaroli.This study provides recommendations and details to overcoming culture issues.