An Overview of the Impacts of Eutrophication and Chemical Pollutants on Copepods of the Coastal Zone

Abstract

Nancy Marcus (2004) An overview of the impacts of eutrophication and chemical pollutants on copepods of the coastal zone. Zoological Studies 43(2): 211-217. During the last three decades, coastal zones around the globe have shown increasing evidence of degradation, primarily due to human activities. Eutrophication result-ing from increased nutrient input and chemical pollution (e.g., heavy metals, organochlorine compounds, petro-leum hydrocarbons, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) from point and non-point sources are among the most serious threats to the health of coastal marine communities. This article summarizes our understanding of the impacts of eutrophication and chemical pollution on copepods with specific attention to those species that reside in the water column as nauplii, copepodites, and adults. Consideration is also given to the impact of these stressors on copepod resting eggs and the resulting population dynamics of the species. Based on the information available to date, future studies must address the sublethal effects that occur in response to chron-ic, low-dosage stressors and the impacts of multiple stressors working in concert. While every effort should be made to reduce degradation of marine environments, some evidence exists which suggests that copepods are capable of acclimating/adapting to some stressors, and that population levels may eventually return to pre-stress levels.