Identification of sensitive and tolerant organisms from a tropical estuarine lagoon to heavy metal intoxication

Abstract

Sequel to the establishment of the most prominent heavy metals in industrial effluents, drainage channels and theLagoslagoon environment, the relative susceptibility of six animals from this tropical estuarine complex to some of the identified heavy metal species was investigated using standard semi-static bio-assay techniques.

      Against the test metals (Fe, Mn, Cu and Hg), Mugil sp., T. guineensis and Cypris sp., had relatively low susceptibility thresholds and were identified as sensitive species based on results of semi-static laboratory tests.

      On the other hand, C. africanus, N. senegalensis and T. fuscatus were identified as relatively tolerant animals from the Lagos lagoon system.  The results are discussed in terms of their relevance to environmental management, associated standards, guidelines and consumer safety