Effects of hexavalent and trivalent chromium on the reproduction of Neanthes arenaceodentata (polychaeta)

This study compared the very different responses of the polychaete Neanthes arenaceodentata to chronic exposure of hexavalent (Cr VI) and trivalent (Cr III) chromium. The polychaetes were exposed to sublethal concentrations of Cr VI and Cr III for periods of 440 days (three generations) and 293 days (two generations), respectively. In the Cr VI test, polychaete reproduction ceased at 100 μg litre^?1, and the number of young produced was reduced at the 12·5 to 50 μg litre^?1 levels and above. However, polychaetes that lived in Cr III during the test showed no adverse effects in 50400 μg litre^?1.