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Sources of variability in accumulation of heavy metals by fishes in a roadside stream

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Abstract

Interspecific variations in lead, nickel, cadmium, and zinc concentrations among six species of fish from a highway-contaminated stream were investigated as functions of differences in habitat (sediment contact) and morphology (percentage axial muscle). Association with stream sediment appeared to influence whole-body metals accumulation but percentage muscle did not. Intraspecific variation in whole-body metal concentrations was not positively related to length (as an index of duration of exposure) in any species. However, lead and nickel content of bone and cadmium content of kidney increased consistently between ages 2 and 5 in white sucker, the only species subjected to tissue analysis across age groups. These findings suggest that biological monitoring to assess chronic heavy metal pollution should focus on long-lived benthic species and be directed at tissues with demonstrated affinities for particular metals.

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  1. John H. Van Hassel

    Present address: Environmental Engineering Division, American Electric Power Service Corporation, 44701, Canton, OH

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 24061, Blacksburg, Virginia

    John J. Ney & John H. Van Hassel

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Ney, J.J., Van Hassel, J.H. Sources of variability in accumulation of heavy metals by fishes in a roadside stream. Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 12, 701–706 (1983). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01060754

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