Effects of Sublethal Zn++ and Cd++ Concentrations on Filtration Rate, Absorption Efficiency and Scope for Growth in Donax trunculus (Bivalvia; Donacidae)

• DOI: 10.1007/s00128-007-9306-4
• Publication Date: 2007-11-12T17:10:26Z
• Authors: Lya Neuberger-Cywiak; Y. Achituv; E. M. Garcia
• Keywords: 0106 biological sciences; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; 01 natural sciences; Absorption; Bivalvia; Zinc; 13. Climate action; Animals; Energy Metabolism; Copper; Filtration; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Environmental Monitoring

Physiological parameters (filtration rate measured as clearance rate; absorption efficiency measured as Conover index) and energy balance [scope for growth (SFG)] where determined under Zn++ (essential metal) and Cd++ (nonessential metal) at different concentration levels and timing. The toxic effect observed on Donax trunculus was higher for Cd++ than for Zn++ in almost all the parameters studied. The SFG is proposed as an integrated environmental biomarker to be used like a tool with others from different organization levels to obtain a more comprehensive vision of the ecological consequences of pollutants.