Morphological abnormalities in Chironomus tentans exposed to cadmium—and copper-spiked sediments

The induction of mouthpart deformities and the developmental response with exposure to sediments spiked with three concentrations (9, 39, and 61 μg g−1 Cd dry wt.) of cadmium (Cd) and three concentrations (30, 125, and 215 μg g−1 Cu dry wt.) of copper (Cu) were investigated. Mouthpart deformity proportions in Chironomus tentans larvae were compared between metal-spiked and control populations and between parent and offspring (F1) populations. Cd- and Cu-treated sediments induced deformities (low Cd=13%, medium Cd=7%, high Cd=4%, low Cu=6%, medium Cu=9%, high Cu=6%) at significantly higher proportions than control (3%) sediments. No negative developmental response was determined. Larval sizes in metal-treated aquaria and control aquaria were not significantly different. F1 larvae from parents reared in medium and high Cu had significantly lower deformity rates than their parents. Our research adds to the growing evidence implicating heavy metals in general, and Cd and Cu specifically, as teratogenic agents.