ABSTRACT
Copper and nickel concentration in whole Metaponorthus pruinosus, Oniscus asellus and Porcellio spinicornis (Isopoda, Crustacea), procured from metal-contaminated and uncontaminated sites in Northeastern Ontario (Canada), were related to the background levels in the habitat. Isopod species from contaminated sites had significantly higher metal concentrations in their body tissues than did those procured from uncontaminated sites. Difference in body tissue metal concentrations in various species were the function of the habitat and the body weight. Oxygen consumption rates, hepatopancreatic cell metabolic activity and plasma membrane surface potential in individuals procured from metal-contaminated sites were significantly higher than those of isopods obtained from uncontaminated sites. The significance of these findings is discussed.
