Copper toxicity on juveniles of Hyalella pseudoazteca González and Watling, 2003

The aim of this work is to evaluate the toxic effect of water and sediment contaminated with Cu(2+) on the survival and growth of juveniles of Hyalella pseudoazteca. The LC(50) 96 h for Cu(2+) in moderately hard water was 0.17 mg/L. The concentration of 100 mg Cu(2+)/kg in sediment was found to have an inhibitory growth effect. This study provides information on the toxic effects of Cu(2+) on a native benthic species occurring in the Pampean region, Argentina and contributes to validate, in this region, the interim use of Cu(2+) values recommended by the sediment quality guidelines for the Northern hemisphere.