Effect of temperature and salinity on the toxicity of nickel and zinc to two estuarine invertebrates (Corophium volutator, Macoma balthica)

Abstract

Acute toxicity of nickel and zinc to 2 estuarine invertebrates (Corophium volutator, Macoma balthica) has been studied at 3 temperatures (5, 10, 15°C) and a range of salinities (5 to 35 %, in 5 "/m increments), at time intervals up to 384 h. Median survival times with nickel and zinc decreased for both species as salinity decreased. Increases in temperature also caused a decrease in median survival time for C. volutatorwith both metals, and for M. balthica with zinc but not with nickel. From analysis of variance, significant factors and thelr interactions were included in response surface models for C. volutator and M. balthica separately for each element. Results indicate that the environmental variables of temperature and salinity should be considered when evaluating toxiclty of nickel and zinc in the estuarine environment.