FRESH-WATER AMPHIPODS AS BIOMONITORS OF METAL POLLUTION IN SURFACE AND INTERSTITIAL AQUATIC SYSTEMS

1. The relationships between levels of metals (Zn, Cu) in the environm ent (water, sediment) and in the tissues of three species of amphipod crustaceans were investigated in superficial and interstitial ecosyste ms of the Rivers Rhone and Ain, France. 2. Epigean and hypogean amphip ods differed in their ability to accumulate Zn and Cu. At all sites, G ammarus fossarum (epigean) Showed lower Zn or Cu body concentrations t han Niphargus cf. rhenorhodanensis or Niphargopsis casparyi (hypogean) . Differences were also observed between the two interstitial taxa. 3. A significant difference among sites was observed for metal concentra tions in sediment. In contrast, no significant inter-site differences were found for metal concentrations in organisms. 4. No significant co rrelation was found between metal concentrations in the three taxa and quantities of metals in the water. A positive correlation was observe d between Zn and Cu body content in Gammarus fossarum and metal level in the sediment. No relationships were found between interstitial amph ipods and metal concentrations in the sediment. 5. Differences in accu mulation rates among the three amphipod species suggest their potentia l use as biological indicators for monitoring metal pollution.