Joint and single toxicity of Cd and Fe related to metal uptake in the mayfly Leptophlebia marginata (L.) (Insecta)

The toxic effects of Cd and Fe on the mayfly Leptophlebia marginata were tested during single and joint exposure to the metals. Data on uptake and localization of the metals were related to the following biological parameters: survival, food consumption (% gut contents) and activity (escape from prodding).The uptake of Cd by L. marginata was significantly reduced by the presence of Fe (p<0.0005).Fe²⁺- and Fe³⁺-crusts on the gills, body surface and on the gut membrane precipitated when the mayflies were exposed to either Fe alone or to Fe and Cd. This caused decreased food consumption by the mayflies.In the pigments of the eyes and the cuticle Fe²⁺ was found.Exposure to Cd led to disturbances in Cl^– and K⁺ ion balance, which were ameliorated by additional Fe-exposure due to co-precipitation processes.Exposure to Cd caused an increase in the concentrations of S and P in the mayflies.Whereas Fe caused sublethal effects (food consumption) without being taken up into the organism. Cd caused lethal effects (inactivity, death) due to disturbances of the ion balance at the membranes.