Revista Chilena de Historia Natural 78 (4): 701-710, 2005
RESEARCH ARTICLE
Preliminary observations of cadmium and copper effects on juveniles of the
polychaete Capitella sp. Y (Annelida: Polychaeta) from Estero del Yugo, Mazatlán, México
The effects of cadmium (Cd) and copper (Cu) on cultured juveniles of
Capitella sp. Y were investigated. Seven-day old juveniles were exposed to 13 (control), 60, 160, 240 and 340 µg Cd
L<sup>-1</sup> and 17 (control), 50, 120 and 150 µg Cu L<sup>-1</sup> for 30 days. Mortality significantly
increased with increasing Cu concentrations, but in Cd exposures, it was only evident at 340 µg L<sup>-1</sup>. Body size
and faecal pellet production were reduced earlier in juveniles exposed to Cu than those exposed to Cd, especially in the higher Cu
concentrations. These facts indicate that juveniles are more sensitive to Cu in terms of mortality, feeding and growth. Haemoglobin
production was inhibited due to the scarcity of food in the experimental sediment rather than to metal exposure. Tube building was not
affected by the presence of metals or by the scarcity of food. This study suggests that Cu concentrations from 50 to 150 µg
L<sup>-1</sup> and 340 µg L<sup>-1</sup> of Cd could affect the population dynamics of this species in natural
ecosystems.
Key words:
bioassays, marine
worms, mortality, juveniles, heavy metals
