Impact of heavy metals on the trophic activity of daphnia depending on feeding conditions and age of crustaceans

Abstract

This paper studies how exposure conditions affect the trophic activity of Daphnia crustaceans and their sensitivity to heavy metals. To register the trophic activity of crustaceans, the change in intensity of the zero level of rapid fluorescence in chlorella alga utilized as feed is used. The optimal conditions (stocking density, age of test organisms, feeding schedule, and exposure time) are determined under which a high level of the trophic activity and sensitivity of crustaceans to pollution are registered. An experimental design is suggested in which crustaceans are first exposed to a toxicant and then a suspension of the alga is introduced into a cultivation medium.