BIG-ACCUMULATION AND METABOLIC EFFECTS OF ZINC ON MARINE FOULING DREISSINID BIVALVE, MYTILOPSIS-SALLEI (RECLUZ)

Zinc (Zn) toxicity to a marine fouling dreissinid bivalve Mytilopsis s allei was investigated and the safe concentration of Zn was determined for this bivalve. In acute toxicity tests on M. sallei the 96 h LC(50 ) value for Zn is found to be 8.364 mg 1(-1). The results suggest that Zn has the lowest toxic effect on M. sallei when compared to copper a nd mercury. Effect of Zn on the oxygen consumption of M. sallei was st udied. Sub-lethal concentrations of Zn functioned as respiratory depre ssants. Accumulation of Zn was investigated in relation to exposure pe riod and concentration in M. sallei. Zn accumulation was found to be s ensitive to both concentration of Zn and exposure time. The effect of exposure time and concentration on body biochemical components was als o studied in M. sallei. This accumulated Zn has resulted in impairment of carbohydrate metabolism and protein utilisation,.