Effects of heavy metals on the sperm quality and the larvae survival of sea urchins

Context of the study

Paracentrotus lividus, the dominant sea urchin in the Mediterranean, is highly sensitive to various chemicals. Therefore it is used to asses the environmental impacts and toxic effects of numerous pollutants. In the Mediterranean several sites have been reported to be contaminated by heavy metals. In order to fully understand its toxicity it's important to know the different effects of different doses of the contaminant.

Content of the study

The study aims to determine the toxicity of 4 heavy metals (mercury Hg, copper Cu, silver Ag, and cadmium Cd) on the fertilization and the early development of this sea urchin.

Main results of the study