Sensitivity of a tropical micro-crustacean (Daphnia lumholtzi) to trace metals tested in natural water of the Mekong River.

Metal contamination is one of the major issues to the environment worldwide, yet it is poorly known how exposure to metals affects tropical species. We assessed the sensitivity of a tropical micro-crustacean Daphnia lumholtzi to three trace metals: copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and nickel (Ni). Both, acute and chronic toxicity tests were conducted with metals dissolved in in situ water collected from two sites in the lower part of the Mekong River.