Data from: Temporal patterns in multiple stressors shape the vulnerability of overwintering Arctic zooplankton

Our study investigates the winter survival of the Arctic copepod C.
glacialis under multiple stressors, exploring stressor temporal dynamics
and exposure duration. We conducted experiments with pulse (intermittent)
and press (continuous) exposure temporal scenarios, involving
microplastics, pyrene, and warming in a fully factorial design. We
observed significant effects on copepod survival, with pronounced impacts
during later stressor phases. Two-way interactions between microplastics
and pyrene, as well as pyrene and warming, showed significant effects,
further intensified with the presence of a third stressor. Continuous
stressor exposure for 9 days (press temporal scenario) led to greater
reductions in copepod survival compared to the pulse scenario,
characterised by two 3-day stressor exposure phases. Notably, the
inclusion of recovery phases, free from stressor exposure, positively
influenced copepod survival, highlighting the importance of temporal
dynamics. Our findings underscore the intricate interactions among
multiple stressors and their temporal patterns in shaping overwintering
Arctic copepod responses. This study has crucial implications for managing
Arctic aquatic ecosystems in the context of ongoing climate change,
highlighting the need to predict and mitigate combined stressor effects in
these environments.