Abstract

The elemental compositions of chloragosome 'granules' in the earthworm Lumbricus rubellus living in non-polluted (Dinas Powys) and heavily Pb-polluted (Wemyss) soils were determined by fully quantitative electron probe X-ray microanalysis. P, Ca, S and Zn were the major elemental components of the chloragosomes. High Pb concentrations were found in chloragosomes of Wemyss animals; Pb was not detected in chloragosomes of Dinas Powys animals. Partial correlation and regression analysis indicated that the in vivo accumulation of Pb by chloragosomes was accompanied by diminished chloragosomal Ca concentrations. Pb is bound by P-containing ligand(s) in the chloragosome matrix. The sequestration of Pb by chloragosomes results in the detoxification of the metal by accumulative immobilization.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

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.