Іnfluence of some heavy metals to the pulmonary and direct diffusive respiration of the great ramshorn Planorbarius corneus allospecies (Mollusca: Gastropoda: Planorbidae) from the Ukrainian river system

Abstract

The vicaristic genetic allospecies (“western” and “eastern”) of superspecies complex Planorbarius corneus s. lato from Ukrainian river network have the combined bimodal respiration mode. These molluscs use their true lungs for atmospheric oxygen breathing, and the diffusive (surface) respiration is used for soluble oxygen consumption. Oxygen transportation to different tissues and organs and carbon dioxide from them to lungs occurs due to respiratory pigment hemoglobin in their liquid internal medium (hemolymph), circulating in vessels, lacunas and sinuses of these animals’ open circulatory system. The aim of present study was to clarify the features and difference levels of lung and surface respiration for “western” and “eastern” allospecies under the impact of heavy metal ions in water environment (MPC: 0.5, 1, 2, 3). It was established that the toxins could be ranged by their toxicity level for activation of molluscs’ respiratory function: Cu2+>Zn2+>Ni2+ >Mn2+. The “eastern” allospecies appeared to be more sensitive and less durable for all aforementioned toxins by both lung and direct diffusive respiration, comparing to the “western” allospecies.