Investigation of the Combined Effects of Rising Temperature and Pesticide Contamination on the Swimming Behaviour of Alpine Chironomids

Some pollutants can be transported through the atmosphere and travel medium–long distances to deposited in glaciers at high altitude latitude. The increase rate of glacier melting due global warming release these alpine streams. This study investigated combined effects rising temperatures chlorpyrifos (CPF) contamination on swimming behaviour chironomids collected a shrinking glacier. We assessed individual interaction (2–11 °C) CPF concentrations (0–110 ng L?1) Diamesa zernyi (Chironomidae) larvae. Distance (mm) speed (mm s?1) were recorded using video-tracking system after 24–72 h treatment. two stressors caused different distance speed, with increasing temperature generally causing hyperactivity from reduced mobility. Two interactions detected between when combined: (i) superimposed effect both behavioural endpoints i.e., 110 L?1 CPF, 11 °C, larvae moved less; (ii) (11 magnified negative CPF: smallest slowest highest values 72 h. Our results suggest that water by even sub-lethal concentrations, might sensitivity warming, vice versa, raising concerns about freshwater biodiversity conservation under climate change.