Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Trace metal changes associated with age of marine vertebrates

  • Review
  • Published:
Biological Trace Element Research Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Concentrations of selected trace metals in feral populations of marine and coastal elasmobranchs, teleosts, birds, and pinniped mammals are clearly related to age. Regardless of species or tissues, all data for individual metals, except Mn, showed the following trends: increases in Cd, Pb, Hg, and Se with increasing age of the organism; and decreases in Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, and Zn. For Mn, mammals showed an increase with age whereas birds and fish exhibited decreases. The biological implications of these observations are imperfectly understood at this time. Factors that may account, in part, for these trends include differential uptake at various life stages, reproductive cycle, diet, general health, bioavailability of different chemical species, metal-metal interactions, metallothioneins, critical body parts, and anthropogenic influences.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. R. Eisler,Trace Metal Concentrations in Marine Organisms. Pergamon Press, NY, 1981, pp. 1–687.

    Google Scholar 

  2. M. W. Hardisty, S. Kartar, and M. Sainsbury,Mar. Poll. Bull. 5, 61 (1974).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  3. M. Hulse, J. S. Mahoney, G. D. Schroeder, C. S. Hacker, and S. M. Pier,Arch. Envir. Contam. Toxicol. 9, 65 (1980).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  4. T. M. Roberts, P. B. Heppleston, and P. D. Roberts,Mar. Poll. Bull. 7, 194 (1976).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  5. J. C. Duinker, M. T. J. Hillebrand, and R. F. Nolting,Mar. Poll. Bull. 10, 360 (1979).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  6. R. Eisler, and G. LaRoche,J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. 9, 29 (1972).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  7. R. R. Brooks, and D. Rumsey,NZ J. Mar. Freshwat. Res. 8, 155 (1974).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. S. N. Wiemeyer, T. G. Lamont, and L. N. Locke,Estuaries 3, 155 (1980).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. R. Eisler,Natur. Canad. 94, 321 (1967).

    Google Scholar 

  10. C. Papadopoulu, G. D. Kanias, and E. M. Kassimati,Mar. Poll. Bull. 11, 68 (1980).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. B. Chernoff and J. K. Dooley,J. Fish Biol. 14, 309 (1979).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  12. J. H. Martin, P. D. Elliot, V. C. Anderlini, D. Girvin, S. A. Jacobs, R. W. Risebrough, R. L. Delong, and W. G. Gilmartin,Mar. Biol. 35, 91 (1976).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  13. C. R. Forrester, K. S. Ketchen, and C. C. Wong,J. Fish. Res. Bd. Canada 29, 1487 (1972).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  14. R. A. Greig, D. Wenzloff, C. Shelpuk, and A. Adams,Arch. Envir. Contam. Toxicol. 5, 315 (1977).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  15. R. Establier,Infor. Tecn. Inst. Invest. Pesqueras 47, 1 (1977).

    Google Scholar 

  16. S. Yannai, and K. Sachs,Envir. Res. 16, 408 (1978).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  17. T. Robertson, G. D. Waugh, and J. C. M. Mol, NZJ. Mar. Freshwat. Res.9, 265 (1975).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  18. J. E. Alexander, J. Foehrenbach, S. Fisher, and D. Sullivan,N. Y. Fish Game J. 20, 147 (1973).

    Google Scholar 

  19. Y. A. Greichus, A. Greichus, and R. J. Emerick,Bull. Envir. Contam. Toxicol. 9, 321 (1973).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  20. J. L. F. Parslow,Envir. Poll. 5, 295 (1973).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  21. D. E. Gaskin, K. Ishida, and R. Frank,J. Fish. Res. Bd. Canada 29, 1644 (1972).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  22. H. C. Freeman and D. A. Horne,Bull. Envir. Contam. Toxicol. 10, 172 (1973).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  23. A. V. Holden, and R.-C. Rapp Reun. Const. int. Explor. Mer169 353 (1975).

    Google Scholar 

  24. U. Harms, H. E. Drescher, and E. Huschenbeth,Meeresforsch. 26, 153 (1978).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  25. T. G. Smith and F. A. J. Armstrong,Arctic 31, 75 (1978).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  26. R. E. Anas,NOAA Fish. Bull. 72, 133 (1974).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  27. D. E. Sergeant and F. A. J. Armstrong,J. Fish. Res. Bd. Canada 30, 843 (1973).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  28. J. H. Koeman, W. S. M. van de Ven, J. J. M. de Goeij, P. S. Tijoe, and J. L. van Haaften,Sci. Tot. Envir. 3, 279 (1975).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  29. N. J. Mackay, M. N. Kazacos, R. J. Williams, and M. I. Leedow,Mar. Poll. Bull. 6, 57 (1975).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  30. Y. Tamura, T. Maki, H. Yamada, Y. Shimamura, S. Ochiai, S. Nishigaki, and Y. Kimura,Tokyo Toritusu Eisei Kenkyusho Nenpo 26, 200 (1975). (Translation avail as Dept. Sec. State Canada, Fish, Mar. Serv. No. 3394, 11 pp., 1977).

    Google Scholar 

  31. H. M. Ohlendorf, R. W. Risebrough, and K. Vermeer,USDI Fish Wild. Ser. Wild. Rep. 9, 40 pp. (1978).

  32. W. S. M. van de Ven, J. H. Koeman and A. Svenson,Chemosphere 8, 539 (1979).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  33. R. Eisler, inZinc in the Environment, Part 2: Health Effects. J. O. Nriagu, ed., Wiley, NY, 1980, pp. 259–351.

    Google Scholar 

  34. J. E. Pequegnat, S. W. Fowler, and L. F. Small,J. Fish. Res. Bd. Canada 26, 145 (1969).

    Google Scholar 

  35. N. J. Milner,J. Mar. Biol. Assn. UK 59, 761 (1979).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  36. R. Eisler and G. R. Gardner,J. Fish Biol. 5, 131 (1973).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  37. K. S. Badsha and M. Sainsbury,Mar. Poll. Bull. 8, 164 (1977).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  38. C. Papadopoulu, G. D. Kanias, and E. M. Kassimati,Mar. Poll. Bull. 9, 106 (1978).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  39. N. H. Cutshall, J. R. Naidu, and W. G. Pearcy,Mar. Biol. 44, 195, (1977).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  40. F. A. Cross, L. H. Hardy, N. Y. Jones, and R. T. Barber,J. Fish. Res. Bd. Canada 30, 1287 (1973).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  41. H. C. Mears and R. Eisler,Chesapeake Sci. 18, 315 (1977).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  42. R. Eisler, inCopper in the Environment, Part 1: Ecological Cycling. J. O. Nriagu, ed., Wiley, NY, 1979, pp. 383–449.

    Google Scholar 

  43. D. P. Middaugh and J. M. Dean,Bull. Envir. Contam. Toxicol. 17, 645 (1977).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  44. R. A. Voyer, C. E. Wentworth, Jr., E. P. Barry, and R. J. Hennekey,Mar. Biol. 44, 117, (1977).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  45. H. V. Westernhagen, H. Rosenthal, and K.-R. Sperling,Helg. wiss. Meeres.,26, 416 (1975).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  46. H. V. Westernhagen, V. Dethlefsen, and H. Rosenthal,Helg. wiss. Meeres. 27, 168 (1975).

    Google Scholar 

  47. H. V. Westernhagen and V. Dethlefsen,J. Mar. Biol. Assn. UK 55, 945 (1975).

    Google Scholar 

  48. R. J. Pentreath,J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. 25, 51 (1976).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  49. R. J. Pentreath,J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. 21, 179 (1976).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  50. D. R. Buhler, R. R. Claeys, and B. R. Mate,J. Fish. Res. Bd. Canada 32, 2391 (1975).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  51. D. Jones, K. Ronald, D. M. Lavigne, F. Frank, M. Holdrinet, and J. F. UtheSci. Tot. Envir. 5, 181 (1976).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  52. G. L. Fletcher, E. G. Watts, and M. J. King,J. Fish. Res. Bd. Canada 31, 78 (1975).

    Google Scholar 

  53. K. Julshamn, and O. R. Braekkan,Fisk Dir. Skr., Ser. Ernoering 1, 1 (1978).

    Google Scholar 

  54. R. J. Pentreath,J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. 30, 223 (1977).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  55. Y. Itazawa, and J. Koyama,Bull. Japan. Soc. Sci. Fish 44, 891 (1978).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  56. A. G. Johnels and T. Westermark, inChemical Fallout, Current Research on Persistent Pesticides, M. W. Miller and G. G. Berg, eds., C. C. Thomas, Springfield, IL, 1969, pp. 221–239.

    Google Scholar 

  57. H. W. Braham,Envir. Poll. 5, 253 (1973).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  58. D. F. Jefferies and C. J. Hewett,J. Mar. Biol. Assn. UK 51, 411 (1971).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  59. R. J. Pentreath,J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. 12, 1 (1973).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  60. W. C. Renfro, S. W. Fowler, M. Heyraud, and J. LaRosa,J. Fish. Res. Bd. Canada 32, 1339 (1975).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  61. R. J. Pentreath,J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. 24, 121 (1976).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  62. R. Marchetti,Mar. Poll. Bull. 9, 206 (1978).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  63. D. W. Engel, and W. G. Sunda,Mar. Biol. 50, 121 (1979).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  64. W. C. Weimer, J. C. Langford, and C. E. Jenkins,Battelle Mem. Inst. Rept. PNL 2280, 1 (1978).

    Google Scholar 

  65. R. F. Foster, inRadioecology. V. Schultz and A. W. Klement, Jr., eds., Reinhold, NY, 1963, pp. 569–576.

    Google Scholar 

  66. D. A. Brown and K. W. Chatel,Chem.-Biol. Interactions 22, 271 (1978).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  67. M. Krajnovic-Ozretic and B. Ozretic,Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 3, 187 (1980).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  68. J. H. Koeman, W. H. M. Peeters, C. H. M. Koudstaal-Hol, P. S. Tijoe, and J. J. M. de Goeij,Nature 245, 385 (1973).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  69. D. A. Brown, C. A. Bawden, K. W. Chatel, and T. R. Parsons,Envir. Cons. 4, 213 (1977).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  70. P. E. Fletcher, and G. L. Fletcher,Canad. J. Zool. 58, 609 (1980).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  71. E. A. Childs, J. N. Gaffke, and D. L. Crawford,Bull. Envir. Contam. Toxicol. 9, 276 (1973).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  72. D. Pruell, and F. R. Englehardt,Mar. Envir. Res. 3, 101 (1980).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  73. F. Noel-Lambot, C. Gierday, and A. Disteche,Comp. Biochem. Physiol. 61C, 177 (1978).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  74. H. Windom, R. Stickney, R. Smith, D. White, and F. Taylor,J. Fish. Res. Bd. Canada 30, 275 (1973).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  75. R. J. Pentreath,J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. 12, 327 (1973).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  76. H. V. Westernhagen, V. Dethlefsen, and H. Rosenthal,J. Mar. Biol. Assn. UK 60, 45 (1980).

    Google Scholar 

  77. R. Eisler,J. Fish Biol. 6, 601 (1974).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  78. K. R. Bull, R. K. Murton, D. Osborn, P. Ward, and L. Cheng,Nature 269, 507 (1977).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  79. D. H. White, R. C. Stendell, and B. M. Mulhern,Wilson Bull. 91, 279 (1979).

    Google Scholar 

  80. D. H. White, K. A. King, and R. M. Prouty,Pestic. Monitor. J. 14, 58 (1980).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  81. J. C. Turner, S. R. B. Solly, J. C. M. Mol-Krijnen, and V. Shanks,NZ J. Sci. 21, 99 (1978).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  82. E. Lande,Envir. Poll. 12, 187 (1977).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  83. D. L. Stoneburner,Sci. Tot. Envir. 9, 293 (1978).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  84. T. Hamanaka, H. Kato, and T. Tsujita,Res. Int. N. Pac. Fish., Hokkaido Univ. Spec. Vol., 547 (1977).

  85. R. C. Stendell, R. I. Smith, K. P. Burnham, and R. E. Christensen,US Fish. Wild. Ser. Spec. Sci. Rept.-Wildlife 233, 1 (1979).

    Google Scholar 

  86. K. Vermeer, and D. Peakall,Mar. Poll. Bull. 10, 189 (1979).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  87. S. H. Andersen and A. Rebsdorff,Aquatic Mammals 4, 14 (1979).

    Google Scholar 

  88. A. V. Holden and G. Topping,Proc. Roy. Soc. Edin. B 71, 189 (1972).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  89. A. T. Petkevich,Dop. Akad. Nauk Ukr. RSR Ser. B 29, 142 (1967).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  90. V. I. Vorob'yev and V. F. Zaystev,Hydriobiol. J. 11, 57 (1975).

    Google Scholar 

  91. A. Horowitz, and B. J. Presley,Arch. Envir. Contam. Toxicol. 5, 241 (1977).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  92. W. B. Ranta, F. D. Toniassini, and E. Nieboer,Canad. J. Zool. 56, 581 (1978).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  93. N. Fimreite, W. N. Holsworth, J. A. Keith, P. A. Pearce, and I. M. Gruchy,Can. Field Nat. 85, 211 (1971).

    Google Scholar 

  94. N. Fimreite,J. Wild. Manag. 38, 120 (1974).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  95. N. Fimreite, and L. M. Reynolds,J. Wild. Manag. 37, 62 (1973).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  96. R. A. Faber and J. J. Hickey,Pestic. Monitor. J. 7, 27 (1973).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  97. W. P. Alley, H. R. Brown, and L. Y. Kawasaki,Calif. Fish Game 60, 50 (1974).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  98. H. J. Bollingberg and P. Johansen,J. Fish. Res. Bd. Canada 36, 1023 (1979).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  99. T. M. Finley, M. P. Dieter, and C. N. Locke,Bull. Envir. Contam. Toxicol. 16, 261 (1976).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  100. C. Leonzio, S. Focardi, and E. Bacci,Sci. Tot. Envir. 24, 249 (1982).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  101. R. O. Bennett, and J. K. Dooley,J. Fish. Biol. 21, 381 (1982).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Author notes

  1. Ronald Eisler

    Present address: US Fish and Wildlife Service, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, 20708, Laurel, MD

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Fish and Wildlife Service, US Department of the Interior, 20240, Washington, DC

    Ronald Eisler

Authors
  1. Ronald Eisler
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Eisler, R. Trace metal changes associated with age of marine vertebrates. Biol Trace Elem Res 6, 165–180 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02916933

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02916933

Index Entries

Search

Navigation