Passive and active cadmium uptake in the isolated gills of the shore crab, [formula omitted][formula omitted] (L.)

Abstract

Cadmium uptake was followed over time (0–30 min) in isolated gills from the shore crab Carcinus maenas , exposed to 1000 dpm 109Cd ml −1 seawater (15 ‰, 15°C). Effects of potassium cyanide on cadmium uptake were also investigated. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in cadmium uptake between gills from the left or right branchial chambers. Cadmium uptake was, however, significantly higher (ca. 20–30 %) in anterior gills (numbers 4–6) than in posterior gills (numbers 7–9). No significant difference in cadmium uptake was found among the three anterior gills nor among the three posterior gills. A significant positive correlation (P < 0.001) was found between 109Cd-uptake and incubation time (0–30 min). Potassium cyanide inhibited cadmium uptake into the gills, suggesting that there is an active transport component to the uptake process. The results are discussed with regard to earlier studies on uptake routes of cadmium and other trace metals in marine invertebrates.