Effects of copper, nickel and zinc on the life cycle of the caddisfly <i>Clistoronia magnifica</i> (limnephilidae)

Abstract

Abstract The caddisfly Clistoronia magnifica (Banks) (Limnephilidae) was exposed to copper, nickel and zinc in life cycle tests. The copper test included continuous exposure of first-generation aquatic larvae and pupae, second-generation larvae and pupae and third-generation larvae. The aerial adults and eggs were exposed only to body burdens obtained as larvae and pupae. Nickel and zinc tests included first and second-generation exposure. Copper concentrations of ≥17 μg/L prevented completion of the life cycle, and significant reduction in adult emergence occurred at 13.0 μg/L. The no-observed-effect level for copper was 8.3 μg/L. Nickel concentrations of ≥250 μg/L prevented completion of the life cycle. The no-observed-effect level for nickel was 66 μg/L. At the highest zinc concentration (5,243 μg/L), no effects were observed on any of the life stages.