Heavy metals in the polychaete Lycastis ouanaryensis from Thane creek, India

Abstract

A polychaete Lycastis ouanaryensis inhabiting soft sediment in Thane creek (India) was investigated for Zn, Cu, Pb and Cd content from two stations having more or less similar physico-chemical parameters except organic pollution. The study revealed more regulation of metals in the polychaete from the high organically polluted station. This ability has been mainly attributed either to the reduced bioavailability of metals due to organic enrichment or to the higher nutritional status. The seasonal changes in the body metals showed high metal levels during periods of population decline probably caused by salinity stress.