Effects of activated carbon amended sediment on biological responses in Chironomus riparius multi-generation testing

Highlights: • AC induced secondary effects were dependent on the occurrence of ingestible AC particles. • Morphological changes were seen in TEM figures in Chironomus riparius larvae gut wall. • Retarded growth and development of the Chironomus riparius larvae was observed. • With the smallest particle size AC degreased survival was seen (dosages ≥1% sediment dw). - Abstract: The biological effects of activated carbon (AC) amendments in sediments were studied with the midge Chironomus riparius. The effects on larvae growth were studied using three different AC particles sizes (PAC: 90% <63 μm, MAC: ø 63–200 μm and GAC: ø 420–1700 μm). The long- term effects of MAC were studied in an emergence experiment over two generations (P, F1), together with larvae growth experiment over three generations (P, F1, F2). Retarded growth and development of the larvae were observed in the two smallest particle sizes (PAC and MAC), as well as morphological changes in the gut wall microvilli layer studied from transmission electron micrographs. In addition, at high AC treatments the larvae reaching fourth instar stage were of a smaller size compared to the controls. With PAC treatment AC amendment dosages higher than 1% of sediment dry weight induced mortality. In the emergence experiment there was an indication of a delay in F1 generation emergence. Male dry weight (dw) in P generation was significantly reduced in the 2.5% MAC treatment. The effects of AC amendments were more obvious in the C. riparius larvae compared to the effects seen in emerging adults exposed to AC-amended sediment during the larval stage.