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

Abstract

Acute toxicity of Ni and Zn to 2 estuarine invertebrates (C. volutator, M. balthica) 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 with Ni and Zn decreased for both species as salinity decreased. Increases in temperature also caused a decrease in median survival time for C. volutator with both metals, and for M. balthica with Zn but not with Ni. From analysis of variance, significant factors and their 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 toxicity of Ni and Zn in the estuarine environment.