The effects of combinations of heavy metals, hypoxia and salinity on ion regulation in Crangon crangon (L.) and Carcinus maenas (L.)

Abstract

1. 1. Blood Na + and Cl −1 levels in Crangon crangon and Carcinus maenas were not significantly affected during Cu/Zn (0.2 5mg·l −1) or hypoxic ( p wO 2 = 40 torr) exposure at both 13.5 and 27.0%. However decreases in blood ion levels were evident in heavy metal/hypoxia combinations in low salinity media. 2. 2. In Carcinus blood Ca 2+ regulation was not affected by heavy metal or hypoxic exposure, however, combinations resulted in salinity-dependent increases in blood Ca 2+ levels.