Localization of Hg and Pb in the palps, the digestive gland and the gills in Mytilus galloprovincialis (L.) using autometallography and X-ray microanalysis

Abstract

The intracellular localization of heavy metals using autometallography (AMG) and X-ray microanalysis was studied in the palps, the digestive gland and the gills of mussels Mytilus galloprovincialis, after an experimental exposure to 0.1 mg l −1 of Hg and 0.1 mg l −1 of Pb, for 30 and 60 days. In the examined tissues, autometallographical black silver deposits (BSD) were localized mainly in the residual bodies and heterolysosomes of the digestive cells, as well as in the dense bodies of the epithelial cells. Metal deposition after Hg exposure was much more abundant compared to Pb exposure. Using X-ray microanalysis, Hg was traced on the BSD in all examined tissues, while Pb was not traced in these deposits. The results are discussed in comparison to previous results on long-term exposure to the same metals; in addition, the palps are introduced as a new metal storing organ and, finally, the use of X-ray microanalysis under a scanning electron microscope in order to enhance the specificity of AMG is suggested.