TOXIC IMPACT OF DIFFERENT SALTS OF METALS ON ORGANISMS

The scope of this research included an evaluation of the influence of anions on biological impact of metal salts on organism. The toxic impact of sulphates, chlorides, and nitrates of Na and Cu on seed germination and root growth of Lepidium sativum (garden-cress), as well as mortality, growth and physiological parameters of fish Oncorhynchus mykiss (rainbow trout) in early development stages (embryos and larvae) were determined. The inhibition of seed germination and root growth were used for evaluation of toxic impact of tested Na and Cu salts on L. sativum. The accumulation of Na + and Cu 2+ and Cl¯, NO3¯, SO4 2 ¯ in roots and shoots of L. sativum was determined. The mortality of embryos and larvae and alteration their physiological (heart rate and gill ventilation frequency) and growth parameters were used for evaluation of toxic impact of sulphates, chlorides, and nitrates of Na and Cu on O. mykiss in early development stages. The influence of anions on toxic effects caused by metal salts on L. sativum and O. mykiss was assessed. The toxicity of Cu salts on L. sativum and O. mykiss was about 100 times higher than that of Na salts. Among tested Cu salts sulphate caused the strongest toxic impact on L. sativum and nitrate caused the strongest impact on embryos and larvae of O. mykiss. Among Na salts nitrate was the most toxic to both test-organisms. The main conclusion of the study is that toxicity of Na and Cu salts on tested organisms depends on their anions.