Hemoglobin concentration and acetylcholinesterase activity of oligochaetes in relation to lead concentration in spiked sediments from Ignacio Ramirez reservoir

This paper presents toxicity and uptake data of Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri generated by lead in systems using natural sediments from Ignacio Ramirez reservoir. Lead uptake, hemoglobin concentration, and acetylcholinesterase activity were studied in L. hoffmeisteri exposed to spiked sediments. All assays of lead uptake were conducted using whole sediments. Sediment texture was also considered. Acetylcholinesterase activity and hemoglobin concentration decreased after treatment with lead. Acetylcholinesterase activity and hemoglobin concentration tests indicated a response to the concentration of lead. These results suggest the usefulness of a diversity of bioassays to evaluate the toxicity of sediments polluted with heavy metals.