Acute toxicity of zinc and arsenic to the warmwater aquatic oligochaete Branchiura sowerbyi as compared to its coldwater counterpart Tubifex tubifex (Annelida, Clitellata)

Abstract

Purpose This study aimed at evaluating the acute effects of arsenic and zinc to the warmwater aquatic oligochaete Branchiura sowerbyi. Relative sensitivity with the coldwater species Tubifex tubifex was compared. Implications for the use of B. sowerbyi in the risk assessment of sediments in the tropics are discussed.