Response of a Freshwater Ostracod (Cypris subglobosa SOWERBY) Exposed to Copper at Different pH Levels

Short‐term tests of the acute toxicity of Cu2+ (from copper sulphate) to a freshwater ostracod, Cypris subglobosa SOWERBY were carried out at five different pH values from 5.5 to 8.5. The toxicity of copper abruptly decreased with an increase in pH of the Cu‐containing medium. The 48 h EC50 value of Cu increased from 0.35 ppm at pH =5.5… 5.1 ppm at pH =8.5. The per cent survival, median period of immobilization (ET50), slope functions and the 95 per cent confidence limits were determined at each pH level. The direct correlation between EC50 value and pH indicated that the acute toxicity of Cu decreased as the pH increased from 5.5… 8.5.