Copper toxicity to Paratya australiensis: I. Influence of nitrilotriacetic acid and glycine

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Abstract
The relationship between copper speciation and acute toxicity to the Australian freshwater shrimp, Paratya australiensis was determined using a combination of copper ion selective electrode measurements, complexing resins and computer calculations to measure the speciation in test solutions. A number of problems were encountered with the use of the copper ion selective electrode in waters containing added complexing agents.In solutions containing nitrilotriacetic acid or glycine, uncomplexed copper(II) ions were found to be the most acutely toxic form of copper to the shrimp. However, at least one other species, the singly charged complex (Cu‐Glycine)+, also appears to be mildly toxic. The results of this study demonstrate the importance of considering metal speciation when assessing the impact of heavy metals on aquatic organisms.