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Document Type
Book Chapter
Department/Program
Virginia Institute of Marine Science
Editors
S.K. Majumdar, L.W. Hall , Jr. and H.M. Austin
Publication Date
1987
Book Title
S.K. Majumdar, L.W. Hall , Jr. and H.M. Austin
Publisher
Pennsylvania Academy of Science
City
Easton, PA
Abstract
The objectives of the chapter are (1) to evaluate laboratory studies concerning effects of heavy metals, pesticides and oxidants on copepods, mysids, bivalve and decapod larvae (2) access field studies (mainly with copepods) on these and other contaminants which when coupled with laboratory data provide information on known and potential hazards of contaminants to zooplankton and (3) briefly review some bioassay methods used in these studies.
Mercury is the most toxic heavy metal by weight, followed by copper, silver and cadmium. Pesticides have been tested much less extensively than heavy metals. In general, bivalve larvae seem less sensitive than the crustacean taxa. Mysids, decapods and copepods seem comparable in sensitivity. Of the pesticides, tributyltin, an antifoulant, presents the greatest present or potential hazard. Chlorine, the most widely used oxidant in Chesapeake Bay, is highly toxic to all taxa reviewed, making zooplankton highly vulnerable. Lethal effects can be reduced or eliminated by dechlorination, but sublethal effects may persist.
ISBN
0960667075
Keywords
Estuarine ecology, water pollution, environmental policy
Recommended Citation
Bradley, Brian P. and Roberts, Morrris H. Jr., "Effects of Contaminants on Estuarine Zooplankton" (1987). VIMS Books and Book Chapters. 55.
https://scholarworks.wm.edu/vimsbooks/55
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