Sensitivity of midge larvae of Chironomus tentans Fabricius (Diptera Chironomidae) to heavy metals

Journal Article · Wed Mar 01 00:00:00 EST 1989 · Bull. Environ. Contam. Toxicol.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01699956· OSTI ID:5813967

Khangarot, B S; Ray, P K

The discharge of heavy metals into the natural waters has numerous obvious impacts on physical, chemical and biological parameters of aquatic ecosystem. Bioassay tests are important steps in establishing appropriate water quality criteria and standards for diverse use of ponds, lakes, streams and river waters. Therefore, the acute toxicities of various heavy metals to water flea Daphnia magna, and snail Lymnaea acuminata, and toad tadpoles Bufo mentanostictus have been reported from the authors' laboratory. Chironomid larvae might be particularly useful as indicators of water quality because they are widely distributed in freshwater systems and often from diverse communities within particular habitat. The aim of this study was to determine the acute toxicity of ten heavy metals to the midge larvae Chironomus tentans Fabricius, which forms an important link in aquatic food chain(s).

• Research Organization: Industrial Toxicology Research Centre, Lucknow (India)
• OSTI ID: 5813967
• Journal Information: Bull. Environ. Contam. Toxicol.; (United States), Vol. 42:3
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
METALS
TOXICITY
WATER QUALITY
BIOLOGICAL INDICATORS
FLIES
LARVAE
PONDS
POPULATION DYNAMICS
SENSITIVITY
ANIMALS
ARTHROPODS
DIPTERA
ELEMENTS
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
INSECTS
INVERTEBRATES
SURFACE WATERS
560300* - Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology