The Effects of Pollutant Alkylphenol on the Nervous System and Ecology of Orconectes Propinquus

Crayfish are a ubiquitous keystone species that are vital to the ecological community in the Eastern United States and Canada. They serve as a major food source for animals. Today, many invertebrates survival maybe treated by human alkylphenol and alkylphenol ethoxylate based chemicals, used in pesticides, which have been rated safe by the EPA. Our study seeks to investigate the effects of the alkylphenol analog, nonylphenol, on the nervous system of Orconectes propinquus by testing its effects on their serotonin chemicals, behavior, and action potentials of vital ventral, dorsal, antennal, and cranial nerves. Populations of crayfish will are also monitored across Michigan. Our findings show that populations Orconectes propinquus have decreased across Michigan