Temporal fluctuation of metals in seawater of the Piedras River estuary and the effects of copper on Venerupis decussata larvae.

摘要

Metal concentrations were measured in seawater in the Piedras River estuary (southwest Spain) for 15 mo during 2005 to 2006. A significant sinusoidal seasonal variation of Cu and Zn was observed. The Cu levels were up to 30 micro g/L. Effects of Cu concentrations, ranging from 0-100 micro g/L, and exposure times of 48 h, 72 h, and 96 h on both mortality and a lethal concentration (LC50) of Venerupis decussata (Linnaeus 1758) larvae were studied. Larval mortality was 100% 96 h after exposure to 100 micro g Cu/L, and mobility decreased after exposure to 100 micro g Cu/L for 48 h or longer. Lethal concentrations for 48 h, 72 h, and 96 h were set at 190, 97, and 49 micro g Cu/L, respectively. Results indicated that Cu concentrations recorded in Piedras River estuary (up to 30 micro g/L) did not affect 96-h larval development of V. decussata.