Abstract
The reproductive function of the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus intermedius was studied in a five-year period (1984, 1985, 1989). Sea urchins were collected during spawning at six differently polluted stations in Peter the Great Bay (Sea of Japan). The state of reproductive function was defined according to the following parameters: value of gonad index, histological characteristics of gonads, content of heavy metals (HM) in the gonads and development of offspring (from fertilization to the 8-armed pluteus stage). Development of offspring was found to be the most reliable index of reproductive function state as well as to be very sensitive to pollution. The HM content was registered as being elevated by 1.5–2.5 times in sea urchin gonads, the digestive gland of bivalves and the thallus of green algae sampled at two stations. The disturbance in reproductive function of sea urchin did not correlate with HM pollution. Biotesting of marine sediments collected at the same stations revealed that the level of their toxicity to sea urchin embryos correlated with the degree of disturbance of sea urchin reproduction.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
