The general objective of this project is to explore the role of parasites as vectors in the flux of heavy metals through the ecosystem and to examine the toxicity to heavy metals in native and invasive Artemia populations under future scenarios of global change. The following hypothesis will be tested:
H1. The concentration of heavy metals in native populations differ between infected and uninfected individuals and between hosts and parasites. We will analyse Artemia from ponds of different salinity. Water and sediment samples will be also taken. This study will inform about bioaccumulation and biomagnification of contaminants by parasites.

H2. A. parthenogenetica is more resistent to heavy metals than A. franciscana. We will sample native Artemia from a polluted area (Odiel), invasive Artemia from an unpolluted area (Puerto de Santamaría) and native Artemia from an unpolluted area as a control (Sanlúcar de Barrameda). We will perform toxicity test and compare sensibility to toxicants between Artemia species/populations.

H3. The toxicity to heavy metals will increase with temperature according to global change expectations. We will measure tolerance to heavy metals under conditions that mimic current and projected conditions of temperature.