Abstract
Baltic clams (Macoma balthica) from clean and industrialized areas were exposed to 30 ng Cu·mL1 or 40 ng Cu·mL1 for 13 days. Specimens from the industrialized site accumulated less Cu in their soft tissues, suggesting that those clams living in a metal-rich area are able to limit metal accumulation. Cu and metallothionein-like protein (MTLP) levels were positively correlated in specimens from the industrialized site only, indicating that perhaps living in a polluted area enables them to use this method of detoxification. The contaminated specimens contained Cu-rich microgranules in the basal lamina and intracellular spaces of digestive gland, labial palps, and gills as well as in lysosomes of the digestive gland and in a few hemocytes. The coexistence of S and Cu suggests that sulfur may be the chelating agent. As a consequence of detoxified storage, ultrastructural damage was rarely observed. These Cu deposits, which contributed to the predominance of biochemical insoluble forms shown in the whole soft tissues, are generally considered hardly available to predators, whereas soluble Cu (3538% of total Cu) would most probably be bioavailable.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
More From: Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.