Acute toxicity of mercury, zinc, lead, cadmium, manganese to thechironomus sp

Abstract
Acute toxicity tests conducted with Chironomid larvae (Genus: Tendipes) on the effect of five heavy metals (Hg++, Cd++, Zn++, Pb++ and Mn++) reveal that the toxicity intensity is in the order of Hg++ > Cd++ > Pb++ > Zn++ > Mn++. The studies further indicate that Hg++ exerts its toxicity even at very low concentrations. The LC 50 values for 48 hour period have been determined and tolerance of the larvae to Mn++ suggested.