Genetic differentiation among laboratory populations of Hyalella azteca: Implications for toxicology

Abstract

Hyalella azteca of different origins are maintained in many laboratories and are extensively used in toxicological bioassays. Quality assurance of interlaboratory toxicity data can only be made when the amount of genetic differentiation among laboratory populations is known. We assayed genetic variability at 16 enzymatic loci in H. azteca stocks from six laboratories (2 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency [USEPA], 1 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service [USFWS], University of Mississippi, Environment Canada, Burlington, ON, Canada, and New York Department of Environmental Conservation), as well as an additional species, Hyalella montezuma (used as an outgroup). Three divergent groups were identified in laboratory stocks of H. azteca based on both Nei's genetic identity and modified Rogers' genetic distance. These three groups were differentiated genetically at a level characteristic of distinct species (Nei's I = 0.26–0.69) based on the comparison between H. azteca and H. montezuma. The high level of genetic differentiation among populations indicated that the Burlington and New York populations were distinct species of Hyalella. In order to enhance interlaboratory toxicity test comparisons, we recommend using genetically characterized populations of H. azteca.