ORIGINAL RESEARCH
The Effects of Copper and Cadmium in Single
Exposure or Co-Exposure on Growth of Common
Carp (Cyprinus Carpio L.) Larvae
P. Sarnowski, M. Witeska
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Department of Animal Physiology, University of Podlasie, Prusa 12, 08-110 Siedlce, Poland
Pol. J. Environ. Stud. 2008;17(5):791-796
KEYWORDS
ABSTRACT
The effects of copper and cadmium in single or co-exposure (each at the concentration of 0.2 mg×dm-3,
and in mixture - 0.1 mg×dm-3) on growth of common carp larvae (in terms of body length and perimeter area)
during the first 30 days post hatching were evaluated. Body length increased in a similar rate during the entire
experimental period, while the increase of body perimeter area became faster after the shift into exogenous
feeding, and then during swim bladder inflation. Copper was more toxic to the fish comparing cadmium or a
mixture of both metals which indicates a possible antagonism of cadmium against copper toxicity. Body
perimeter area was a more sensitive indicator of heavy metal intoxication compared to body length, and may
be used as an approximation of body mass for very small fish that cannot be accurately weighed alive.