Concentration and toxicity of some metals in zooplankton from nearshore waters of Bombay

Abstract

Zooplankton samples collected from 4 stations located in the nearshore waters of Bombay were analysed for Cu, Co, Mn, Ni and Cd. Concentrations of Co, Mn and Ni were more in copepods and gelatinous organisms than in mysids and decapods. High concentrations of Ni and Co were noticed in zooplankton from Thana Creek which receives considerable amount of industrial effluents. Concentration of Cu and Mn was more in zooplankton obtained from offshore area. Cd concentration was invariably constant in zooplankton collected from all stations. Bioassay tests were carried out for evaluating the acute toxicity of Cu and Ni on selected groups of zooplankton. Cu was more toxic than Ni. Among the different organisms tested <i>Sagitta, Lucifer</i>, Ctenophores and Medusae were relatively more sensitive than <i>Acete</i>s and mysids.