Olive mill wastewater: Effect on the survival and reproduction of the ecological indicator Gammarus gauthieri

Olive oil production is an important agricultural activity in morocco,which constitutes an important source of revenue for farmers. however,the olive oil industry generates large amounts of olive mill wastewater (omw). the omw disposal poses significant environmental problems. the objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of omw on the environment as indicated by the survival and reproduction of the aquatic bio-indicator gammarus gauthieri. the first experiment was conducted to test the effect of different concentrations of omw,ranging from 1 to 16 ml of omw/250 ml,of lake water on gammarus gauthieri survival. the results obtained showed a high toxicity of omw,with tl99 ranging from 0.99 to 1.71 days. the second experiment tested the effect omw at a concentration of 0.25 ml/250ml of lake water on the reproduction rate of gammarus gauthieri over time. the results obtained showed a remarkable effect of the omw. compared to the control. omw presented a stimulating effect on the reproduction of g. gauthieri individuals during the first two days. then,the reproduction rate decreased until it became zero. the improper management of omw is a potential threat for the g. gauthieri and therefore this might impact the ecosystem equilibrium.