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Author (up) Lenoir, A.; Touchard, A.; Devers, S.; Christidès, J.-P.; Boulay, R.; Cuvillier-Hot, V.
Title Ant cuticular response to phthalate pollution Type Journal Article
Year 2014 Publication Environmental Science and Pollution Research Abbreviated Journal Environ. Sci. Pollut. Res.
Volume 21 Issue 23 Pages 13446-13451
Keywords Absorption; Ants; Bbp; Bioindicator; Cuticle; Dbp; Dehp; DiBP; Phthalates; Pollutants
Abstract Phthalates are common atmospheric contaminants used in the plastic industry. Ants have been shown to constitute good bioindicators of phthalate pollution. Hence, phthalates remain trapped on ant cuticles which are mostly coated with long-chain hydrocarbons. In this study, we artificially contaminated Lasius niger ants with four phthalates: dibutyl phthalate (DBP), diisobutyl phthalate (DiBP), di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), and benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP). The first three have previously been found on ants in nature in Touraine (France), while the fourth has not. The four phthalates disappeared rapidly (less than 5 days) from the cuticles of live ants. In contrast, on the cuticles of dead ants, DEHP quantities remained unchanged over time. These results indicate that phthalates are actively absorbed by the cuticles of live ants. Cuticular absorption of phthalates is nonspecific because eicosane, a nonnatural hydrocarbon on L. niger cuticle, was similarly absorbed. Ants are important ecological engineers and may serve as bioindicators of ecosystem health. We also suggest that ants and more generally terrestrial arthropods may contribute to the removal of phthalates from the local environment.
Address CNRS, UMR Écologie des Forêts de Guyane (EcoFoG), Campus Agronomique, BP 316Kourou Cedex, France
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Springer Verlag Place of Publication Editor
Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 09441344 (Issn) ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Export Date: 5 December 2014; Coden: Esple; Correspondence Address: Lenoir, A.; IRBI, Institut de Recherche sur la Biologie de l’Insecte, UMR CNRS 7261, Université François RabelaisFrance Approved no
Call Number EcoFoG @ webmaster @ Serial 570
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