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Trace elements in the livers of cod (Gadus morhua L.) from the Baltic Sea: levels and temporal trends

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Abstract

This paper presents and discusses the levels and temporal trends of concentrations of Cd, Pb, Hg, Cu, Zn, and As in livers and Hg in the muscle tissues of cod (Gadus morhua L) from the Baltic Sea during the period 1994–2010. Concentrations of Pb, Hg, and Cd exhibited significant downward trends. Cu and Zn concentrations exhibited upward trends in the period 1994 to 2010. No trends were detected for concentrations of As. The temporal trends identified in heavy metal concentrations in cod livers corresponded to the directions of changes in concentrations of these elements introduced into the Baltic Sea via river runoff and atmospheric emission, and those in surface and deep waters of the Baltic. Downward trends in the concentrations of toxic metals in cod livers suggest that advantageous changes are occurring in concentrations of heavy metals in the environment of the southern Baltic Sea.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Food and Environmental Chemistry, National Marine Fisheries Research Institute, ul. Kołłątaja 1, 81-332, Gdynia, Poland

    Lucyna Polak-Juszczak

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  1. Lucyna Polak-Juszczak
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Correspondence to Lucyna Polak-Juszczak.

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Highlights

–Trace elements in the livers of cod in the 1994–2010 period: concentrations and trends.

–Downward temporal trends in concentrations of Cd, Pb, and Hg.

–Lack of trends in concentrations of As, Cu, or Zn.

–Cod livers can be used as indicators of cadmium and lead pollution in the Baltic Sea.

–Muscle tissues can be useful tool to track mercury pollution in environment.

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Polak-Juszczak, L. Trace elements in the livers of cod (Gadus morhua L.) from the Baltic Sea: levels and temporal trends. Environ Monit Assess 185, 687–694 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-012-2584-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-012-2584-2

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