The synergism between hydrocarbon pollutants and UV radiation: a potential link between coastal pollution and larval mortality

Larvae of coastal invertebrates with complex life history strategies are susceptible to the combined effects of PAHs and UV radiation. In this study, the exposure of crab larvae to PAHs and UV radiation resulted in mortality to crab larvae using laboratory and solar UV experiments. There were no effects on larval crab mortality due to PAH or UV radiation independently but mortality was as high as 100% when both factors were present.