Larvae abnormality of green mussel (Perna viridis) due to cadmium (Cd) and copper (Cu) exposure

Abstract

Green mussels (Perna viridis) have an important ecological and economic role for the community and the environment in the coastal region. On the other hand, heavy metal pollution poses a serious threat to the environment and human health due to its high toxicity. The objective of this study is to determine the toxicity of cadmium (Cd) and copper (Cu) to the development of green mussel larvae. This research was carried out using 48 h sub-lethal bioassay toxicity test. Both metals were shown to increase the percentage of abnormalities of green mussel larvae at the highest concentrations of 89.26% (at 3.62 ppm Cd) and 92.87% (at 18.89 ppb Cu), respectively. 48 h EC50 values for Cd and Cu are 1.97 ppm and 11.70 ppb, respectively. Based on the EC50 value, green mussel larvae are more sensitive to Cu than Cd. The results of this study also indicate that the green mussel larvae Perna viridis can be used as a bio-indicator of Cd and Cu pollution in coastal waters.