Toxic effect of nickel on hemoglobin concentration of Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri in spiked sediments of trout farms

Toxicity and uptake data for Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri generated by nickel i n systems using three natural sediments (trout farms: El Oyamel, El Truchon , and El Potrero), are presented. Nickel uptake and hemoglobin concentratio n were studied in L. hoffmeisteri exposed to spiked sediments. Nickel conce ntration and its toxic effect on hemoglobin were used as indicators of expo sure. Sediment texture was also considered. Hemoglobin concentration decrea sed after treatment with nickel. The hemoglobin concentration test indicate d a response to the bioavailability of nickel. This investigation clearly d ocuments that sediments of El Truchon, El Oyamel, and El Potrero exhibit a toxicity potential. These results suggest the usefulness of diversity of bi oassays for evaluating the toxicity of sediments polluted with heavy metals . (C) 1999 Academic Press.