Effect of sublethal metal pollutants on the fiddler crab 'Uca pugilator'. Final report

Technical Report · Mon Jan 31 23:00:00 EST 1977

OSTI ID:7214360

Vernberg, W B; DeCoursey, P J

Studies have been carried out on the synergistic effects of sublethal concentrations of mercury (Hg) and/or cadmium (Cd) in conjunction with temperature and salinity stress on larval and adult fiddler crabs, Uca pugilator. Six biological parameters of the adult organism were monitored including survival, tissue uptake, metabolism, behavior, microscopic anatomy, and enzymatic activity, using metal concentrations of 0.18 ppm Hg and 1.0 ppm Cd. Studies with larval stages (zoeal stages I, III, V and megalops) considered survival, metabolism and behavior under conditions of 1.8 ppb Hg and 1.0 ppb Cd. The effect of mercury or cadmium on Uca pugilator depends upon a number of factors, including stage of the life cycle, sex, thermal history, and environmental conditions. Data presented here suggest that the mode of action of the two metals is not the same.

• Research Organization: South Carolina Univ., Columbia (USA). Belle W. Baruch Inst. for Marine Biology and Coastal Research
• OSTI ID: 7214360
• Report Number(s): PB-267940
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560304* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology-- Invertebrates-- (-1987)
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ANIMALS
AQUATIC ORGANISMS
ARTHROPODS
BEHAVIOR
CADMIUM
CRUSTACEANS
ELEMENTS
INVERTEBRATES
MERCURY
METABOLISM
METALS
MONITORING
POLLUTION
SALINITY
SURVIVAL TIME
SYNERGISM
TEMPERATURE EFFECTS
TOXICITY
WATER POLLUTION