Abstract
Levels of Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni and Zn were determined by ICP-AES and GFAAS in epipelic diatoms meiofauna and oxic sediment sampled from Woodhall, a site within the Inner Clyde Estuary, Scotland.
The availability of a number of metals to epipelic diatoms and meiofauna was investigated by comparison with the total (aqua regia extractes) and bioavailable (acetic acid extracted) metal concentrations and the proportion of bioavailable metal for evidence and metal accumulation. Both total and bioavailable metal sediment concentrations strongly correlated with chromium nickel and zinc tissue levels.
Accumulation of chromium and zinc by meiofauna from dietary sources was suggested by comparison with levels in the epipelic diatom fraction.
The results highlight the problem in assessing metal concentrations in environmental samples but indicate that metal levels in food may be more important that availability of metals in sediments for the accumulation of some metals.
The availability of a number of metals to epipelic diatoms and meiofauna was investigated by comparison with the total (aqua regia extractes) and bioavailable (acetic acid extracted) metal concentrations and the proportion of bioavailable metal for evidence and metal accumulation. Both total and bioavailable metal sediment concentrations strongly correlated with chromium nickel and zinc tissue levels.
Accumulation of chromium and zinc by meiofauna from dietary sources was suggested by comparison with levels in the epipelic diatom fraction.
The results highlight the problem in assessing metal concentrations in environmental samples but indicate that metal levels in food may be more important that availability of metals in sediments for the accumulation of some metals.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 66-79 |
Number of pages | 14 |
Journal | Coastal Zone Topics Process Ecology & Management |
Volume | 3 |
Publication status | Published - 1997 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- zoology
- marine biology
- diet
- habitat
- chemical pollution