Seasonal studies on cadmium concentration and toxicity, oxygen consumption, digestive gland glycogen, and lipid in dog whelks collected at Aberystwyth, Wales

Abstract

The concentration of cadmium in Nucella was investigated at different times of the year at one site. There was no significant difference in tissue cadmium at the times of the year investigated but tissue zinc was more variable. Accumulation and toxicity of cadmium were studied using 50–600 μg Cd l −1 for 21 days. There was no significant seasonal difference in the rate of cadmium uptake but mortality appeared to vary with the season. Nucella did not survive 21 days at 600 μg Cd l −1, but at lower concentrations 50–100 μg Cd l −1 all survived. Although there was significant drop in oxygen consumption between 7 and 14 days it did not appear to be related to the cadmium exposure. Glycogen levels on the other hand showed a decrease after cadmium treatment, while lipid values remained unchanged. Results are discussed in relation to energy source, season, and adaptation to the environment.