Biological effect of some poisons on Canthocamptus (Crustacea spp)

Water quality standards are generally based on the effect of a single toxicant; unfortunately, the additive effects of a mixture of toxicants are never taken into account when fixing up water quality standards. This paper evaluates the additive effect of a mixture of toxicants on Canthocamptus (Crustacea spp). The results suggest that the toxicity of certain toxicants like phenol is increased when the poison is present in combination with heavy metals or other poisons. The results of this study point to the need for greater care when fixing up the permissible level of the toxicants; in all cases, the relevant agencies should take into consideration the additive effect of a mixture of toxicants.