Acute Toxicity of Zinc Sulphate (ZNSO4) on the Estuarine Blood Clam Anadara granosa (Linnaeus, 1758)

Zinc is an essential trace element for taking role in electron transfer in many enzymatic reactions. However, its prolonged and excessive intake may lead to toxic effect. Aquatic organisms take up zinc in proportion to the dissolved concentration of the metal in water. Generally, uptake occurs throughout epithelial surfaces related to absorption and excretion of ions such as the gill membranes. Heavy metals can accumulate in the tissues of aquatic organisms and cause a range of hazardous effects to all organisms through bio-magnifications. There are a number of studies carried out on the toxicity of Zinc sulphate. The aim of this study was to investigate the acute toxicity effects of Zinc sulphate on the clam Anadara granosa. Clam samples were exposed to different concentrations (3, 6, 9, 12, and 15.00 mg/L) of Zinc sulphate for 96h and their cumulative mortality was calculated in 12 hours intervals. Results were analyzed by SPSS 20 to obtain number of cumulative mortality and lethal concentrations. The blood clam Anadara granosa LC50 and LC90 for zinc sulphate at 96 hours were 4.63 and 9.28mg/L in the current study. Mortality rate was increased with the increase in metal concentrations and time.