Effect of temperature and salinity on the toxicity of arsenic to three estuarine invertebrates (Corophium volutator, Macoma balthica, Tubiflex costatus)

Abstract

Acute toxicity of pentavalent As to 3 estuarine invertebrates (C. volutator, M. balthica, T. costatus) was studied at 3 temperatures (5, 10, 15.degree. C) and a range of salinities (5 to 35.permill., in 5.permill. increments), at time intervals up to 384 h. Median survival times decreased as temperature and concentration of As increased, but salinity changes had no significant effect. From analysis of variance, significant factors and their interactions were included in response surface models for C. volutator and M. balthica separately. Results are compared with the limited data previously published. Environmental temperature should be considered when evaluating toxicity of As in the estuarine environment.