The Toxic Action of Copper and Mercury Salts Both Separately and When Mixed on the Harpacticid Copepod, Nitocra Spinipes (Boeck)

Abstract

1. The results are given of the poisoning of Nitocra spinipes (Boeck) by copper and mercury salts used together and separately. 2. The state of copper and mercuric salts in sea water is examined using the available physico-chemical data. 3. The results suggest that the two poisons act in a different manner and possible reasons for this are considered. 4. The striking synergic effects obtained when the two metals are used together are considered to support the suggestion in 3 above and various possible explanations, both biological and chemical for this synergism, are examined.