Induction of abnormal polychaete larvae by heavy metals

A little known observation that exposure to sublethal concentrations of detergent cause fatal abnormalities in the second generation of a polychaete has been followed up and similar abnormalities have been observed in the first or second generation of larvae exposed to sublethal concentrations of copper and zinc. Few toxicity tests extend beyond the responses of the exposed individuals. The discovery of a delayed reaction to sublethal concentrations of common contaminants of the sea has unknown but potentially important ecological implications.