The effect of copper on osmoregulation in the freshwater amphipod Gammarus pulex |
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Authors: | Brooks Steven J Mills Chris Lloyd |
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Institution: | School of Science, Nottingham Trent University, Clifton Lane, Nottingham NG11 8NS, UK. |
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Abstract: | The influence of copper on osmoregulation in the freshwater amphipod Gammarus pulex was determined from the analysis of water permeability, haemolymph sodium concentration, sodium influx and gill Na(+)/K(+) ATPase and Mg(2+) ATPase activity. Exposure to nominal copper concentrations of 100 microg l(-1) or greater caused a significant reduction in both haemolymph sodium concentration and sodium influx within 4 h. Measurements of water permeability, expressed as the half-time of exchange of body water (t(1/2)), excluded structural gill damage as the cause of this fall in haemolymph sodium. Copper at 10 microg l(-1) or above in the assay solution significantly reduced gill Na(+)/K(+) ATPase activity. In contrast gill Mg(2+) ATPase activity was markedly less affected by copper. These differences in enzyme sensitivity were considered with respect to the potential mechanisms of copper toxicity. |
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Keywords: | Copper Crustacea Heavy metal Osmoregulation Pollution Sodium ATPase Gammarus pulex |
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