The amphipod Hyalella azteca as a biomonitor in field deployment studies for metal mining.
Specimens of the amphipod Hyalella azteca were deployed, in June-July 2003, along metal contamination gradients in two rivers affected by metal mining in the Abitibi-James Bay region, northwestern Québec. The amphipods were placed along with natural food items in small, acrylic cages and left in six riverine sites for 17 days. Twelve metals (As, Cu, La, Mn, Ni, Sb, Se, Tl, U, V, Zn, and CrO4(2-) modelled by WHAM VI) in transplanted H. azteca varied along metal contamination gradients in a consistent manner, i.e., as a function of metal exposure. Bioaccumulation of As, Cr, La, Ni, Sb, Se, Tl, U and V, as defined by a field BCF, was significantly correlated with their chronic toxicity potential towards the amphipod. We conclude that H. azteca may be a useful field biomonitor for metal mining. In addition, our results suggest that such biomonitoring programs should include less studied elements such as Se in mining effluents.
Couillard
Y
Y
Existing Substances Division, Science and Risk Assessment Directorate, Environment Canada, Place Vincent Massey, 351 St. Joseph Boulevard, 20th floor, Gatineau, Québec K1A0H3, Canada. yves.couillard@ec.gc.ca
Grapentine
L C
LC
Borgmann
U
U
Doyle
P
P
Masson
S
S
D033304:Amphipoda / Q000737:chemistry*; D000818:Animals; D002170:Canada; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods; D019216:Metals, Heavy / Q000032:analysis / Q000633:toxicity*; D008906:Mining; D045483:Rivers; D036401:Toxicity Tests, Chronic / Q000379:methods; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000032:analysis / Q000633:toxicity*
D019216:Metals, Heavy; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical