Use of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Solen brevis</Emphasis> as a Biomonitor for Cd,Pb and Zn on the Intertidal Zones of Bushehr–Persian Gulf,Iran

The concentrations of Zn, Cd and Pb were determined in tissues (shell and soft tissue) of 144 of bivalve mollusks (Solen brevis) and 15 samples of surface sediment collected from three locations in intertidal zones of Bushehr coast, Persian Gulf, Iran in May 2011. The mean concentrations of Zn, Cd and Pb in the sediment samples were 26.2, 1.25, and 21.1 μg/g dw, respectively. The mean levels of Zn, Cd and Pb in the clam samples were 63.3, 0.67, and 4.38 μg/g dw in soft tissue and 10. 7, 1.53, and 15.6 μg/g dw in shell, respectively. The degrees of variability (CV %) for Cd and Pb within the shells were lower than for soft tissues, whereas the CV for Zn was lower in the soft tissue than in the shell, indicating that there is more precision (lower CV) in the determination of Cd and Pb in the shells and Zn in the soft tissues. Significant correlation were found between Cd (r = 0.63; p < 0.05) and Pb (r = 0.78; p < 0.01) concentrations in the shell of S. brevis and their concentrations in the surface sediments. Indeed, Zn concentrations in the soft tissue of S. brevis significantly (r = 0.63; p < 0.05) correlated with Zn concentrations in surface sediments. The results of this study suggest that the shell of S. brevis may serve as a reliable biomonitor for Cd and Pb, and the soft tissue for Zn.     

Concentrations of Selected Heavy Metals in Bones and Femoral Bone Structure of Bank (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Myodes glareolus</Emphasis>) and Common (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Microtus arvalis</Emphasis>) Voles from Different Polluted Biotopes in Slovakia

Concentrations of selected heavy metals in the femora and femoral bone structure of bank (Myodes glareolus) and common (Microtus arvalis) voles from different polluted biotopes in Slovakia (Kolíňany and Nováky sites) were investigated. Length, weight, and histological structure of vole bones were also analyzed. We observed higher concentrations of lead (Pb), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) in the bones of both species from the Kolíňany site. Significant differences were observed in the concentration of Fe in bank and common voles (p < 0.05) and in the concentration of Zn (p < 0.05) in common voles. The animals from Nováky had higher concentrations of cadmium (Cd) and nickel (Ni) in their bones; however, the differences were not significant. The measured values for bone length and weight were higher in both species from Nováky (p < 0.05). We did not identify differences in qualitative histological characteristics of the femora between the voles (M. glareolus and M. arvalis separately) between the two biotopes. In addition, no statistically significant differences for any the measured variables of primary osteons’ vascular canals were observed. Correlation analysis in M. glareolus showed a strong positive relation between Cd and Ni (r = 0.52), Pb and bone weight (r = 0.53), Fe and bone weight (r = 0.52), and Fe and perimeter size of primary osteons’ vascular canals (r = 0.55). In common voles, a strong positive relation was found between Fe and Cu (r = 0.60) and between Fe and perimeter size of vascular canals of primary osteons (r = 0.55). Our results indicate that accumulation of some heavy metals is slightly increased in the femora of both species at Kolíňany.     

Distribution and Association of Trace Metals in Soft Tissue and Byssus of Mytilus edulis from the East Coast of Kyushu Island, Japan

Concentrations of Cd, Pb, Zn, Cu, Ag, Cr, Co Ni, Mn, and Fe in soft tissues and byssi of blue mussel (Mytilus edulis) from three sites along the east coast of Kyushu Island, Japan, were determined by AAS method. Large inter-regional differences in metal concentrations in both soft tissues and byssi (Cu, Cd, and Pb and Cu, Pb, Co, Ni, Mn, and Fe, respectively) were recorded. Highly significant correlations (p < 0.01) were observed between tissue and byssal concentrations of Pb, Cu, Zn, and Mn. The tissue concentrations of Cu, Cd, and Pb were two orders of magnitude greater in Mytilus edulis from expected to be the most contaminated locations compared to those from a nonindustrialized area. Intercomparison of the present study data with those published previously indicates that the soft tissue and especially byssus are useful in detecting some areas of some metallic contaminants. The high concentrations of Cd, and especially Pb and Cu, in Saganoseki mussels and moderately elevated concentrations of these metals in Akamizu mussels may be attributed to the anthropogenic emissions from a metallic refinery and an artificial fiber factory, respectively. It is evident that, compared to the soft tissue, the increase of Cu levels relative to Zn levels in the byssi of M. edulis are eight times higher, with a slope b (Cu/Zn) of 7.5 for byssus and 0.93 for soft tissue. This suggests that byssus, as compared to soft tissue, is a more sensitive bioindicator for Cu. From the data obtained, the soft tissue and especially byssi of M. edulis appear to be good bioindicators for identification of coastal areas exposed to metallic contaminants. Received: 29 January 1996/Revised: 19 June 1996     

Elemental Status in Sediment and American Oyster Collected from Savannah Marsh/Estuarine Ecosystem: A Preliminary Assessment

Sediment and American oyster (Crassostrea virginica) collected from nine selected marsh/estuarine ecosystems in Savannah, Georgia were analyzed for elements such as Al, As, B, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Si, and Zn. Sediments were extracted by ammonium acetate (NH₄OAc), Mehlich-3 (M-3), and water procedures, whereas an acid digestion procedure was adopted for oyster tissue. Concentrations of elements were higher in M-3 extractions followed by NH₄OAc and water extraction procedures. Calcium and Mg was greater in sediments by any of the extractions, whereas other elements differed depending upon the extraction procedures. There were no significant spatial variations (p < 0.05) of any of elements analyzed except Mn, in NH₄OAc/water extraction procedure and Fe and Al by water extraction procedure. Contamination of Al, B, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Si, and Zn in oyster tissue ranged from 399 to 1460, 231 to 254, <1.5 to 2.9, <1.5 to 8.0, 67 to 121, 232 to 1357, 17 to 54, <0.5 to 0.64, <1.5 to 2.5, <1.5 to 4.0, 241 to 381, and 978 to 2428 μg/g dry weight (dw), respectively. Greatly elevated concentrations of elements such as P, Ca, Mg, K, and S were noticed in oyster tissue. The concentration range of Hg and As in sediment was 1.2–1.9 and 11–55 μg/g dw, respectively. The concentration range of Hg and As in oyster tissue was 130–908 and 200–912 ng/g dw, respectively. With the exception of As and Hg, other elements are several orders of magnitude greater in oyster tissue. There is no significant (p < 0.05) contamination variation in target analyses between the nine selected sites. Concentrations of heavy metals in sediment and oyster were either comparable or lower than those of other countries. Greater biota-sediment accumulation factor was noticed for P and Zn. Concentrations of Hg and P in oyster tissue were higher than the threshold limit for human consumption. Overall, the baseline data can be used for regular ecological monitoring, considering the domestic and industrial growth around this important marsh/estuarine ecosystem.     

Determination of Metal (Cu,Zn, Se,Cr and Cd) Levels in Tissues of the Cyprinid Fish, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Capoeta trutta</Emphasis> (Heckel, 1843) from Different Regions of Keban Dam Lake (Euphrates-Turkey)

The aim of this study was to evaluate Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), Selenium (Se), Chromium (Cr) and Cadmium (Cd) concentrations in liver, muscle, gills and kidney tissues of Capoeta trutta collected from four sites of Keban Dam Lake, Turkey. The highest heavy metal level in all tissues was for Zn, while Cd was the lowest. The lowest heavy metal levels were generally found at Station 4 (Agin) for all tissues (p < 0.05). There were statistically significant differences among stations for Cu, Zn, Cr and Se in gills; for Cu, Zn, Se and Cr in liver and kidney; and Cu, Zn and Cr in muscle (p < 0.05). Cadmium concentrations did not differ between sites for any of the tissues. Turkish Food Codex sets the maximum limits of Zn, Cu and Cd as, 50, 20 and 0.05 mg kg⁻¹ dry weight, respectively, in the muscle of fish used for human consumption. In our study, the level of Zn was higher than Turkish permissible limits only at Station 3 (Guluskur). Cadmium levels were much higher than permissible limits at three stations [S1 (Pertek), S2 (Kockale) and S3], whereas Cu levels were within permissible limits in all stations.     

Heavy Metal Levels in Suspended Sediments, Crassostrea gigas, and the Risk to Humans

Wild Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) and sediment, both resuspended and suspended (RSS) samples (<53 μm), were collected over an 8-month period from a coastal estuary in Baynes Sound, BC, Canada. Stable isotope analysis (δ¹³C, δ¹⁵N) was used to determine, first, if RSS sediments was an important dietary source to C. gigas and, second, if so, whether it served as a significant dietary exposure route for Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn. Although RSS sediments were high in trace metals such as Cd, Pb, Zn, and notably Cu, stable isotope signatures for oyster tissues did not correspond to those of RSS sediments. These results indicate that RSS sediments are not a significant source of metal to the oysters. In addition, we compared the potential risk to humans ingesting C. gigas with levels of Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn from this study to the current Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) chronic oral minimal risk levels (MRLs) using current Canadian consumption guidelines of three oysters/week. Cu, Pb, and Zn levels were below MRL levels, with Cd exceeding the recommended 0.2 μg/kg/day MRL level fourfold. Total daily intake levels (TDI) for Cd were additionally calculated and either reached or exceeded the Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization (FAP/WHO) reference dose of 1 μg/kg/day for Cd consumption in Canadians. Our results indicate that the current Canadian Cd consumption guidelines do not protect individuals consuming the maximum recommended levels of wild oysters.     

Distribution and Normalization of some Metals in Surface Sediments from South Caspian Sea

Surface sediments along the south of Caspian Sea were collected to evaluate the contamination of heavy metals. The result ranged (μg/g, Fe% dw): Pb(13.06–33.48); Ni(18.01–69.63); Cd(0.62–1.5); Zn(30.11–87.88); Cu(5.86–26.37) and Fe(1.8–4%) respectively. Cadmium showed higher EF when compared to other sites. Geoaccumulation Index value for Cd in most stations was classified as moderately contaminated and moderately to strongly contaminated, as well as the average of I_geo of Cd (1.77 ± 0.35) suggested that surface sediments of Caspian coast were moderately polluted by this metal. The result of the Pearson correlation showed that there were significant positive associations between Ni, Cd and Zn (r = 0.44–0.76; p < 0.01).     

Sediment-Quality Assessment Using the Polychaete <Emphasis Type="Italic">Arenicola marina</Emphasis>: Contamination,Bioavailability, and Toxicity

The sediment quality of Cádiz Bay, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (LPGC) Port, Santander Bay, Algeciras Bay, and Huelva Estuary (Spain) was evaluated by analysing a battery of biochemical biomarkers―activities of biotranformation enzymes ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase [EROD], dibenzylflourescein dealkylase [DBF], and glutathione S-transferase [GST]; activity of antioxidant enzyme glutathione reductase [GR]; and lipid peroxidation [LPO]―in the polychaete Arenicola marina after laboratory sediment exposure. Huelva Estuary polychaetes showed significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced LPO, GST, and EROD activities compared with control lugworms related to metals and presumably polychlorinated biphenyls. EROD activity significant (p < 0.05) induction was associated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons after Santander Bay sediment exposure. Nickel appeared to significantly (p < 0.05) induce GR activity and LPO in LPGC Port sediment–exposed organisms. DBF activity significantly (p < 0.05) increased in polychaetes exposed to sediments from sewage-contaminated areas. A. marina was sensitive at the biochemical level. Integration of sediment characterization and biomarker results allowed the identification of polluted sites as well as the cause of possible sediment toxicity.     

Relationship Between Gonad Maturation and Heavy Metal Accumulation in the Clam, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Galatea paradoxa</Emphasis> (Born 1778) from the Volta Estuary,Ghana

The relationship between gonadal development and the concentrations of four heavy metals Mn, Zn, Fe and Hg in the tissues of the clam Galatea paradoxa was evaluated at the Volta estuary, Ghana, over an 18-month period. Metal concentrations in the clam tissues were highly variable over the sampling period and seemed to be influenced by the reproductive cycle of the clam. Mn concentrations varied over a wide range from 49 to 867 μg/g and exhibited a significant positive correlation with gonadal development (p = 0.0146, r² = 0.3190). Zn and Fe concentrations ranged from 13 to 59 μg/g and 79 to 484 μg/g, respectively and both revealed negative relationships between gonad development and metal accumulation (Zn (p = 0.0554, r² = 0.0554) and Fe (p = 0.1040, r² = 0.1567)). Hg concentrations ranged from 0.026 to 0.059 μg/g over the sampling period and exhibited a slight positive relationship between gonadal development and metal accumulation (p = 0.0861, r² = 0.1730).     

Water Hyacinths (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Eichhornia crassipes</Emphasis>) as Indicators of Heavy Metal Impact of a Large Landfill on the Almendares River near Havana,Cuba

The Almendares River is central to recreational and other activities in Havana, Cuba. However, monitoring indicated significant heavy metal contamination in river sediments, especially below Calle 100, the largest landfill in Havana. This work extended previous sediment studies by determining complementary Cu, Pb, Ni, Cr, Cd, and Zn levels in indigenous water hyacinths (Eichhornia crassipes; EC) above and below the landfill. Pb, Cu, and Zn were significantly elevated in EC roots below the landfill and also correlated with sediment data (p < 0.05), implying elevated levels likely result from landfill activity and might be useful biomonitors as river remediation proceeds.     

Concentrations of Heavy Metals in Commercially Important Oysters from Goa,Central-West Coast of India

The major beds of oyster along the central-west coast of India are exposed to different anthropogenic activities and are severely exploited for human consumption. In this viewpoint, tissues of oyster Crassostrea madrasensis, C. gryphoides and Saccostrea cucullata were analyzed for Cu, Ni, Cd and Pb concentrations (dry weight) from Chicalim Bay, Nerul Creek and Chapora Bay in pre-monsoon, monsoon and post-monsoon seasons. A higher concentration of Cu (134.4–2167.9 mg kg^?1) and Cd (7.1–88.5 mg kg^?1) was found, which is greater than the recommended limits in all the three species (and sites). Moreover, significant (p?<?0.05) variations were observed for all the metals concentrations among the species, seasons and sites. The high concentrations of Cd and Cu in tissues of edible oyster pose a threat to human health. Therefore, continuous monitoring, people awareness and a stringent government policy should be implemented to mitigate the metal pollution along the studied sites.     

Concentrations of Cadmium,Copper, and Zinc in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Macrobrachium rosenbergii</Emphasis> (Giant Freshwater Prawn) from Natural Environment

This study analyzed the levels of cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) by the flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer (FAAS), in the muscle tissues, exoskeletons, and gills from freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) (n?=?20) harvested from natural habitat in Kerang River, Malaysia on 25th November 2015. Significant increase of the metals level in muscle tissue and gill (r?>?0.70, p?<?0.05) were observed with increase in length except for Cu in gills. No relationship was found between metals level in exoskeleton and length. The concentrations of Cd, Cu and Zn were significantly higher (p?<?0.05) in males (muscle tissues and exoskeleton) except for Cd in exoskeleton. In gills, only Cu was significantly higher (p?<?0.05) in female than male. All samples contained metals below the permissible limit for human consumption (i.e., Cd?<?2.00 mg/kg; Cu?<?30.00 mg/kg; Zn?<?150 mg/kg). Annual metals monitoring in prawn and environmental samples is recommended to evaluate changes of metals bioaccumulation and cycling in the system, which is useful for resources management.     

Distribution and Risk Assessment of Metals in Sediments from Taihu Lake, China Using Multivariate Statistics and Multiple Tools

Metals in the surface sediment and zoobenthos throughout Taihu Lake were investigated to explore their distribution, source and potential ecological risks. The result showed that the average metal concentration followed the order: Fe > Mn > Zn > Cr > Ni > Pb > Cu > Cd, with the highest value of 27.9 g/kg (Fe) and lowest value 0.54 mg/kg (Cd). Anthropogenic inputs were the major sources of metals, followed by geochemical processes, and organic matter is also a control for metals. Spatially, high metal concentrations were distributed in the northern lake and low concentrations in Gonghu Bay and the eastern part of the lake. Risk assessment showed that Pb had the highest ecological risk (E_r = 10.32), followed by Cu and Ni (E_r = 8.77−8.81), while Zn had the lowest risk (E_r = 1.59). Analysis indicated that Corbicula sp. was more suitable for biomonitoring than Bellamya sp.     

Seasonal variability in cadmium, lead, copper, zinc and iron concentrations in the three major fish species, Oreochromis niloticus, Lates niloticus and Rastrineobola argentea in Winam Gulf, Lake Victoria: impact of wash-off into the lake

Trace metals Cadmium (Cd), Lead (Pb), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn) and Iron (Fe) were analyzed in edible portions of three main finfish species namely Lates niloticus, Oreochromis niloticus and Rastrineobola argentea sampled from various beaches of Winam Gulf, Lake Victoria, Kenya, in order to determine any seasonal and site variations and the results showed significantly (p < 0.05) higher mean concentrations of Cd, Cu, Zn and Fe during the wet season compared to the dry season for all the three species indicating the impact of wash-off into the lake during the rainy periods. The overall mean concentrations of the heavy metals (in μg/g dry weight) in all combined samples ranged from 0.17–0.40 (Cd), 0.47–2.53 (Pb), 2.13–8.74 (Cu), 28.9–409.3 (Zn) and 31.4–208.1 (Fe), respectively. It was found that consumption of Rastrineobola argentea can be a significant source of heavy metals especially Zn, to humans, compared with Lates niloticus and Oreochromis niloticus, if only the muscle parts of the latter two are consumed.     

Heavy-Metal Concentrations in Soft Tissues of the Burrowing Crab Neohelice granulata in Bahía Blanca Estuary, Argentina

Copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), and chromium (Cr) in soft tissues of male and female burrowing crab Neohelice granulate, as well as their eggs, were measured in two different locations in the Bahía Blanca estuary, a moderately polluted ecosystem, from October 2008 to August 2009. Differences between sexes, sites, and seasonality were assessed. Furthermore, metal levels in eggs were compared with metal levels in female crabs. The results showed no significant differences for Cu and Cd between sexes (Student t test p > 0.25 for both sites) and sites (two-way analysis of variance: Cu p = 0.82 and Cd p = 0.29). Nevertheless, seasonality was found, with winter having significantly lower concentrations for both metals. The range of Cu concentrations was between 96.92 and 152.18 μg g⁻¹ dry weight (dw), and the range of Cd concentrations was between 6.09 and 10.41 μg g⁻¹ dw. Cr concentrations could not be assessed because most of the values were lower than the detection limit. Although heavy metals in sediments were not measured in this study, a bioaccumulation process may be occurring for Cd because levels found during the entire sampling period were greater than levels in sediment from previous years. For Cu, a regulation process may be occurring considering that this is an essential metal and levels of Cu in N. granulata found in this study were between 1 and 2 orders of magnitude greater than levels in sediments. Finally, Cu and Cd levels in eggs were detectable, but they were lower than levels in female crabs. The importance of these findings is linked to the fact that metal accumulation seems to be occurring before hatch. The presence of heavy metals in soft tissues as well as in eggs of N. granulata is of great importance considering that this is a key species within the Bahía Blanca estuary; therefore, it plays a major role in the transference of pollutants to greater trophic levels.     

Cellular Biomarkers in Native and Transplanted Populations of the Mussel <Emphasis Type="Italic">Perumytilus purpuratus</Emphasis> in the Intertidal Zones of San Jorge Bay,Antofagasta, Chile

Cellular biomarkers were measured in the mussel Perumytilus purpuratus from intertidal zones of San Jorge Bay, Antofagasta, Chile. They were also used to measure sublethal effects on individuals exposed to Cu under laboratory conditions. Lysosomal stability in hemocytes, and the degree of vacuolization and the content of lipofuscin granules in digestive cells were the cellular responses measured. Three study sites were established in San Jorge Bay: Coloso, E.R., and Reference. Both E.R. and Coloso receive effluent discharges. Reference does not receive any sewage discharges. Before sampling, mussels from Reference were transplanted into the intertidal zone of each site. Samplings were obtained at the beginning, after 45 days, and after 90 days after transplantation. Seawater samples for total dissolved Cu analysis and adult mussels (P. purpuratus) from native and transplanted populations were collected each time. Cellular biomarkers and Cu concentrations in gonads, gills, and remaining tissues (gut and muscle) were measured. Mussels from Reference were exposed to sublethal Cu concentrations (5, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 80 μg L⁻¹) during 45 days under laboratory conditions. Lysosomal stability was measured in mussel hemocytes by means of the neutral red retention assay. The degree of vacuolization and the extent of lipofuscin granules were determined in the digestive cells by image analysis of histological sections stained with the Schmorl's method. Seawater Cu concentrations and tissue Cu concentrations in P. purpuratus were higher in E.R. than in Reference and Coloso (p < 0.02). Native mussel populations from E.R. showed lower lysosomal stability (p < 0.05), higher vacuolization degree (p < 0.001), and lower amounts of lipofuscin granules (p < 0.001) than those from Coloso and Reference. Transplanted mussel to E.R. showed significant reduction in lysosomal stability (p < 0.05) and in extent of lipofuscin granules (p < 0.05) and significant increase in vacuolization degree (p < 0.05), whereas Reference and Coloso are not significantly dissimilar between them. Seawater Cu concentration was positively correlated with Cu content in gonads (r ² = 0.61; p < 0.02), gills (r ² = 0.66; p < 0.01), remaining tissues (r ² = 0.56; p < 0.05), and the degree of vacuolization (r ² = 0.65; p < 0.01) and negatively with lysosomal stability (r ² = 0.79; p < 0.001) and lipofuscin granules extent (r ² = 0.53; p < 0.05). Mussels exposed to Cu under laboratory conditions showed decreased lysosomal stability (over 30 μg Cu L⁻¹) (p < 0.02) and increased degree of vacuolization (at 80 μg Cu L⁻¹) (p < 0.05) and an increased lipofuscin granules extent (although differences among treatments were not statistically significant). Received: 3 April 2001/Accepted: 9 November 2001     

Seaweed and Chlorophyll as Biomarkers of Metals in the Persian Gulf,Iran

Algal chlorophyll content and chlorophyll type ratios, as biomarkers of stress, were investigated. Ulva intestinalis and Sargassum angustifolium were sampled at low tide, in the intertidal zone of Bushehr Province in January and May, 2010. The mean concentrations of metals in the algae were in the following order: Pb > Ni > Cu > Cd. High negative correlations between chlorophyll a content (r = −0.84, p < 0.01), chlorophyll c content (r = −0.82, p < 0.01), and ratio of chlorophyll c/a in S. angustifolium (r = −0.93, p < 0.001) and Ni concentration in this algae shows that both the content and ratio of chlorophyll may clearly reflect a negative effect of high metal concentrations in this algae.     

Mercury and Other Mining-Related Contaminants in Ospreys Along the Upper Clark Fork River,Montana, USA

We investigated links between mining-related contaminants in river sediment and their occurrence in nestling ospreys (Pandion haliaetus) in the Clark Fork River Basin, Montana, USA. Blood and feather samples from 111 osprey chicks were collected during 4 years from nests along river sections with greatly different sediment concentrations of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), and mercury (Hg). No significant differences between river sections were found among Zn (3,150 ± 160 μg L⁻¹) and Cd (<5 μg L⁻¹) concentrations in blood. Cu, Pb, and As concentrations in blood were significantly increased in chicks from the most contaminated river sections (mean values of 298, 8.9, and 100 μg L⁻¹, respectively). Cu, Zn, and Pb concentrations increased significantly during a year of above-average river runoff combined with high suspended sediment loads in rivers. Total Hg concentrations in blood and feathers were highly correlated and depended on the geographic locations of the nests. The lowest blood concentrations of Hg were observed in the most upstream river section (mean 151 μg L⁻¹) where total sediment concentrations were increased (0.80 mg kg⁻¹). River sections with intermediate blood concentrations (mean 206 and 303 μg L⁻¹) were associated with low to intermediate sediment concentrations (0.058 and 0.46 mg kg⁻¹). The highest concentrations of Hg in ospreys (mean 548 μg L⁻¹) were observed downstream from a contaminated tributary (1–4 mg kg⁻¹ in sediment). In river sections with lower Hg concentrations in sediment, there was a negative correlation between blood Hg concentration and chick mass, presumably due to high deposition rates into growing feathers. This relationship was absent in sections of high Hg exposure. Osprey blood and feathers are suitable for monitoring Hg in aquatic ecosystems; however, responses of As, Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn are more subtle.     

Investigation of Cadmium Contamination Using Hair of the Japanese Macaque, Macaca fuscata, from Shimokita Peninsula, Aomori Prefecture in Japan

The cadmium (Cd) contents in hair of macaques (n = 45, Macaca fuscata) living on the Shimokita Peninsula were investigated. The mean Cd contents in the hair of Japanese (n = 34, 5.01 μg/g) and macaques (3.05 μg/g) tendency to be higher than those of animals living other areas. The Cd contents of hair of wild macaques were significantly (p < 0.01) lower than that of humans, although three were no significant difference between Cd contents of humans and that of the macaque in captivity. The hair of the macaque was suggested as a useful sample for measurement of Cd contamination in the environment.     

Temporal Variation of Metals in Water,Sediment and Tissues of the European Chup (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Squalius cephalus</Emphasis> L.)

The aim of this study was to analyze seasonal variation of levels of Chromium (Cr), Manganese (Mn), Nickel (Ni), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), Cadmium (Cd) and Lead (Pb) in water, sediment and tissues of Squalius cephalus (L., 1758) taken from five different stations chosen at Yamula Dam Lake (Kayseri, Turkey). Concentrations of metals were generally sorted as water<tissue<sediment. The highest concentration of metals in water was observed in the samples taken in the summer (Mn, 1.04 ± 0.15 mg L⁻¹; Ni, 0.42 ± 0.12 mg L⁻¹; Cu, 1.25 ± 0.88 mg L⁻¹; Zn, 3.61 ± 1.53 mg L⁻¹; Pb, 0.58 ± 0.09 mg L⁻¹). While the highest Zn (24.85 ± 21.82 μg g⁻¹) and Pb (10.89 ± 4.2 μg g⁻¹) concentrations in sediment were observed in the winter samples, the highest Mn concentration (167.2 ± 99.37 μg g⁻¹) was observed in the summer. Cd pollution was determined in sediment according to international criteria. The highest metal concentration in tissues was generally observed in the liver and the other tissues; following liver were gills and muscles. In liver tissues, while the highest accumulation of Zn (110.34 ± 13.1) and Mn (22.5 ± 14.85 μg g⁻¹), which are essential for the body, were observed in the winter, Pb (22.58 ± 7.83 μg g⁻¹) and Cd (11.77 ± 7.83 μg g⁻¹), which are toxic, were found to be higher in the summer. Also, concentrations of Mn, Cd and Pb in muscle tissues were found to be above the limits permitted.