Effect of sublethal concentrations of heavy metals (cadmium, lead, and copper) on the soluble nitrogen and phosphorus excretion of marine brown mussel (Perna perna) (Linnaeus, 1758) (Mollusca; Bivalvia)

Abstract

Physiological response (nitrogen and phosphorus excretion) of the brown mussel (Perna perna) exposed to four sublethal concentrations of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) (50, 100, 150 and 200 µgL -1 ) and three sublethal concentrations of Cu (5, 10 and 15µg.L -1 ), were monitored for 72 hours. The results show a positive correlation between metal exposure and excretory products. Moreover, when compared to the control group, cadmium, lead and copper presented a significant (p < 0.01) alteration of pattern of ammonia-N, nitrate, nitrite and phosphate excretion after 24, 48 and 72 hours. This result suggests that metabolites were affected by heavy metal exposure.