Effects of Artificial Light Pollution at Night (ALAN) on Procambarus clarkii

Folasade Fasina-Thomas, Christine Galioto, Chloe Gilkesson, Rosa Venegas Hernandez

Agnes Scott College, Department of Biology, Class of 2022 & 2023

Studies have shown that light pollution, excessive exposure to artificial lighting, have  negative effects on aquatic organisms, such as disrupting light cycles. Crayfish, which are nocturnal aquatic organisms, are exposed to light pollution by human settlements near aquatic  environments. The implications of this research are relevant to the protection and wellbeing of  both crayfish and their habitats. Since current research is sparse, more studies are currently  needed to determine how light pollution affects crayfish behavior. This leads to the hypothesis  that, if overexposed to light, then crayfish will show changes in behavior that may include  increased levels of activity and aggression. This hypothesis will be tested through a study with a  between-group design. A control group of crayfish will undergo the 12-hour light and 12-hour  dark cycle. The experimental group will be exposed to light for 24 hours. One crayfish from each  group will be removed and isolated from their respective larger tanks and placed in the smaller  tanks. A total of 4 aggressive and non-aggressive behaviors will be noted and analyzed for each  isolated crayfish. Since crawfish are nocturnal creatures, it is expected that more aggressive  behaviors and less non-aggressive behaviors will be observed in the experimental group.  Significant differences in the duration and frequency of these behaviors are expected to arise as a  result of this experimental manipulation