The effect of temperature on zinc regulation by the decapod crustaceanPalaemon elegansRathke

The littoral prawn Palaemon elegans Rathke regulates the body concentration of the essential metal zinc to a constant level over a wide range of dissolved zinc concentrations, until regulation breaks down at a threshold external zinc concentration. The body zinc concentration at which zinc is regulated in Palaemon elegans increases with increase in temperature. These changed regulated body concentrations are reached after an acclimation period of greater than 3 and less than 24 days. Breakdown of zinc regulation in prawns takes place at lower external zinc concentrations at higher temperatures. Net accumulation of zinc by Palaemon elegans after breakdown in zinc regulation, is increased at higher temperatures. The rate at which this net accumulation takes place has a Q10 of 1.8 from 10 to 20 °C for an exposure concentration of 562 µg Zn · I-1. The frequency of moulting increases at higher temperatures and this may have a significant effect on zinc regulation, the total body zinc concentration being sharply increased for up to three days after a moult.