The acute toxic effects of copper (cu) and iron (fe) on nitokra sp. (Harpacticoida: Ameiridae)

Abstract

Heavy metal contamination in groundwater is an increasing environmental concern. Monitoring water quality requires testing organisms that provide reliable and cost-effective results. Harpacticoida, a group of organisms commonly found in bottom and groundwater habitats, have been proposed as potential candidates for monitoring heavy metals in these environments. This study investigated the suitability of the species Nitokra sp., collected from groundwater in Thua Thien Hue province, for monitoring heavy metals. Acute toxicity experiments were conducted using individuals of Nitokra sp.  exposed to varying concentrations of Fe²⁺ (0, 10, 20, 30 mg/L) and Cu²⁺ (0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 mg/L). Results showed that the LC₅₀ values at 24h, 48h, 72h, 96h of Fe²⁺ on Nitokra sp. were 12.05 mg/L, 6.574 mg/L, 4.766 mg/L and 3.39 mg/L respectively. For Cu²⁺ metal, the LC₅₀ values at 24h, 48h, 72h, 96h were 1.76mg/L, 0.58 mg/L, 0.47 mg/L, 0.46 mg/L respectively.