The toxicity of sublethal lead concentrations for the woodlouse, Porcelliolaevis (Crustacea, Isopoda)

The effects of sublethal concentrations of lead nitrate on the terrestrial isopod Porcellio laevis were studied experimentally under controlled condit ions over a period of 8 weeks. Changes in body mass were recorded. Avoidanc e-behaviour studies were undertaken to determine whether P. laevis can dete ct and possibly avoid lead in the environment. P. laevis was affected negat ively by the presence of lead nitrate and showed a loss in body mass. More than 86% of the total body burden of lead was compartmentalized in the hepa topancreas. The isopods were capable of avoiding leaves contaminated with 2 00 mg kg(-1) lead nitrate in behavioural tests but did not avoid leaves con taminated with a higher concentration.