Toxicidad del cobre en larvas nauplii del camarón comercial Artemesia longinaris Bate (Crustacea, Decapoda, Penaeidae)

Abstract

Copper toxicity in the nauplius larvae of the penaeid shrimp Artemesia longinaris was evaluated through biossays, to determine the lethal concentration (LC50) and stage of development (larval stage). A solution of copper sulphate in sea water (salinity 34 %) at concentrations equivalent to 1000, 500, 250 and 125 ppb of copper was utilized. A total of 90 nauplii per treatment (three replicates of 30 larvae each) were conditioned in glass bowls containing 300-500 ml of solution. Pure sea water with EDTA added was utilized as «control». The biossays lasted 72 hrs. and the nauplii larvae were not fed. Results of the acute toxicity test show a direct relationship between mortality and copper concentrations. At 1000 ppb the nauplii died during the first 24 hr. The LC50 values (probits analysis) were: 660.9 ppb for 24 hr, 378.5 for 48 hr, and 212.3 ppb for 72 hr. Molting (growth) of the larva was inhibited at concentrations higher than 125 ppb. In the controls, the protozoeae stage appeared at 72 hr and all larvae were found at that stage at the 96 hr of treatment.