SUBLETHAL EFFECTS OF TRICLOSAN ON POTAMOGETON PERFOLIATUS AND ELODEA CANADENSIS

Abstract

Triclosan is found in the aquatic environment throughout the United States and western Europe due to its extensive use as a household antimicrobial. Two species of aquatic vegetation native to the Chesapeake Bay, Potamogeton perfoliatus and Elodea canadensis, were exposed to triclosan. Responses measured after a 72-hour exposure to triclosan were peroxidase activity, chlorophyll-a, and dissolved oxygen production. Plants were also observed for changes in appearance, such as chlorosis. P. perfoliatus and E. canadensis treated with triclosan began to show statistically significant differences between concentrations as low as 3 and 30 ug/L. Tolerance to triclosan varied between the two species of aquatic vegetation.