Effects of metals on the behaviour and oxygen consumption of the Mud Snail
MacInnes, J.R.; Thurberg, F.P., Frederick (1973). Effects of metals on the behaviour and oxygen consumption of the Mud Snail. Mar. Pollut. Bull. 4(12): 185-186
In: Marine Pollution Bulletin. Macmillan: London. ISSN 0025-326X; e-ISSN 1879-3363, more
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| Authors | | Top |
- MacInnes, J.R.
- Thurberg, F.P.
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| Abstract |
The behaviour and O2 consumption rates of adult mud snails, Nassarius obsoletus, exposed to 5 metals individually (As, Cd, Cu, Ag and Zn) and to 1 combination of 2 metals (Cd and Cu), have been examined. The mud snail is abundant along the Atlantic coast of America. The O2 uptake of distressed and retracted snails was found to be lower than that of controls after exposure to all individual metals except Cd, which resulted in an elevation of O2 consumption. The combination of Cu and Cd resulted in a lower rate than either metal alone. The mechanism by which these metals affect respiration was not determined; however, respiration alterations are good indicators of sublethal stress. Evaluation of such sublethal indicators as behaviour and respiration is just as important, if not more so, as observed mortality, since sublethal levels of pollutants are less likely to be observed and corrected until irreparable damage is done. |
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