SENSITIVITY OF GAMMARUS AEQUICAUDA POPULATION REARING IN THE LABORATORY

The aim of this study is to validate the use of Gammarus aequicauda (Martynov, 1931) (Crustacea, Amphipoda) population rearing in the laboratory, as indicator for assessing sediment toxicity. The sensitivity of this population was compared with that of two natural populations. As first approach water sensitivity tests were performed using three heavy metals: copper, cadmium and mercury. Field acute sediment toxicity experiments were carried out. Considering the high sensitivity and its amenability for culturing, it may be used for ecotoxicological studies.