The aim of the study was to assess the toxicity of a range of trace metals to the rotifer Lecane inermis, a species tested as a potential biological tool to control activated sludge bulking caused by overgrowth of filamentous bacteria in wastewater treatment plants. LC50 values (concentration lethal to 50 % of individuals, mg dm−3) were ranked in the following order: Cu < Al < Fe < Zn < Sn < Mn. L. inermis apparently is more sensitive to metals than other aquatic species widely used as model organisms in ecotoxicological testing, making it potentially useful for quick ecotoxicological tests.