Effects of Temperature on the Sensitivity of Sludge Worm Tubifex tubifex Müller to Selected Heavy Metals

The present study evaluates the effect of temperature on the sensitivity of the freshwater tubificid sludge worm Tubifex tubifex Müller to 10 heavy metal ions. Metals used in this study were cadmium, chromium, cobalt, copper, iron, lead, manganese, mercury, nickel, and zinc. The acute toxicity of these heavy metals was studied at 15, 20, 25, and 30°C. The percentage mortality, relative toxicity, and EC50 values and their 95% confidence limits from 24 to 96 h were determined at varying temperatures. The EC50 values (mg/liter) of metal ions at 15°C were Hg2+, 0.034; Cu2+, 0.340; Cr6+, 1.846; Zn2+, 10.99; Ni2+, 25.10; Cd2+, 56; Fe3+, 86.09; Co2+, 239.39; Pb2+, 456.76; and Mn2+, 164.55. At 30°C the values were Hg2+, 0.014; Cu2+, 0.031; Cr6+, 0.872; Zn2+, 3.37; Ni2+, 18; Cd2+, 28.55; Fe3+, 71.26; Co2+, 95.35; Pb2+, 165.22; and Mn2+, 239.39. The results indicate that the acute toxicity of cadmium, chromium, cobalt, copper, lead, mercury, nickel, and zinc increases with temperature increase. The toxicity of manganese was not influenced by temperature, and temperature had little effect on iron toxicity. The rank order of toxicity of metal ions at 15, 20, 25, and 30°C is presented and discussed. It is concluded that temperature is an important factor in short-term acute toxicity tests. The study indicates that seasonal temperature changes are an important variable in determining the amount of heavy metals that may be safely released from metal industries and other similar sources into the aquatic environment. Influence of temperature on the short- and long-term toxicity of chemicals should be considered for establishing appropriate water-quality criteria and standards to protect aquatic flora and fauna and human health.