The effects of CaCl2 and CaBr2 on the reproduction of Daphnia magna Straus

Abstract

Concentrated CaCl₂ and CaBr₂ salt solutions of densities up to 2.3 kg L^-1 are regularly used to control hydrostatic pressure in oil wells during special operations in the exploration and production of natural gas and crude oil. Various concentrations of high density salts are frequently left in mud pits near the drilling site as waste, polluting fresh and ground waters by spillage and drainage. The toxic effects of these salts have already been observed. This study investigated the effects of CaCl₂ and CaBr₂ on water flea Daphnia magna Straus in a 21-day reproduction test. The three tested concentrations of CaCl₂ (240, 481, and 1925 mg L^-1) caused a significant dose-response decrease of reproduction (p<0.001). With CaBr₂ (533 and 1066 mg L^-1), only aborted eggs were produced, demonstrating the embryotoxicity of the substance. The results suggest that high concentrations of the tested chemicals are harmful to Daphnia’s reproduction and could reduce its abundance.