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Copper toxicity to Paratya australiensis : I. Influence of nitrilotriacetic acid and glycine
Author(s) -
Daly Helen R.,
Campbell Ian C.,
Hart Barry T.
Publication year - 1990
Publication title -
environmental toxicology and chemistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.1
H-Index - 171
eISSN - 1552-8618
pISSN - 0730-7268
DOI - 10.1002/etc.5620090805
Subject(s) - nitrilotriacetic acid , copper , genetic algorithm , copper toxicity , environmental chemistry , glycine , chemistry , chelation , metal , biotic ligand model , metal toxicity , metal ions in aqueous solution , inorganic chemistry , toxicity , shrimp , ecotoxicology , amino acid , heavy metals , ecology , biology , biochemistry , organic chemistry
The relationship between copper speciation and acute toxicity to the Australian freshwater shrimp, Paratya australiensis was determined using a combination of copper ion selective electrode measurements, complexing resins and computer calculations to measure the speciation in test solutions. A number of problems were encountered with the use of the copper ion selective electrode in waters containing added complexing agents. In solutions containing nitrilotriacetic acid or glycine, uncomplexed copper(II) ions were found to be the most acutely toxic form of copper to the shrimp. However, at least one other species, the singly charged complex (Cu‐Glycine)+, also appears to be mildly toxic. The results of this study demonstrate the importance of considering metal speciation when assessing the impact of heavy metals on aquatic organisms.