In vitro effects of suspended sediments on fertilization success on the sand dollar Dendraster excentricus

Abstract

The life histories of many marine invertebrates are complex and multifaceted, making them susceptible to even minor anthropogenic effects. One area of growing interest is the impact of increasing levels of suspended sediment resulting from human activities. In this study, we used an experimental laboratory approach to investigate the impact of sediment load on fertilization success in Dendraster excentricus (Eschscholtz 1831) at a variety of sperm concentrations. Although the results of this study did not yield a statistically significant difference among sediment treatments, our findings lay the foundation for future investigations and offer valuable insights for designing fertilization experiments involving suspended sediment as a crucial factor.