The effect of the heavy metals lead (Pb2+) and zinc (Zn2+) on the brood and larval development of the burrowingcrustacean, Callianassa kraussi

Abstract

This investigation explored the effect of the heavy metals Pb (Pb 2+) and Zn (Zn 2+) individually and in combination (i.e. three metal solutions) on both the brood and larval development of the burrowing crustacean, Callianassa kraussi . Egg and larval mortalities at factorial (4x7) combinations of salinity (20, 24, 30, 35 mg/ l) and seven respective metal concentrations were examined. The results provided various statistically significant trends. Individual concentrations of Pb and Zn at various salinities impacted negatively upon the brood and larval development of Callianassa kraussi. Increasing the specific concentrations of both metals further demonstrated a negative influence, especially on brood development and to a lesser extent on larval development of Callianassa kraussi .

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