Low Concentrations Of Cadmium Research Articles

Myriophyllum alterniflorum DC. Effect of low concentrations of copper and cadmium on somatic and photosynthetic endpoints: A chemometric approach

Aquatic plants can be a sensitive and cost effective route to understanding the effects of contaminants and assessing ecosystem health. Among the aquatic macrophytes, watermilfoil genus Myriophyllum could be used in ecological surveys as in situ biomonitors of water quality due to its ability to concentrate pollutants in their tissues and reflect the environmental pollution. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the phytotoxicity of two heavy metals, Cu (essential micronutrient) and Cd (non-essential metal) alone or in mixture at realistic (low) concentration levels to a common European watermilfoil, Myriophyllum alterniflorum. ANOVA Kruskall–Wallis data indicate that effect of pH and mixture on copper or cadmium amounts in plants was statistically non significant. Correlation between variables was assessed using Spearman's rank order correlation. The main correlations were between: (i) time and node length, (ii) fresh mass and dry mass, (iii) chlorophyll A and carotenoids, and (iv) copper and cadmium in the mixture study. In addition to the Spearman correlations, data were analysed using the factor analysis. High positive loadings of mass (fresh weight and dry weight) along the factor 1 axis and high loadings (positive for copper and cadmium treatment, negative for the mixture) of plant growth (time, node length) along the factor 2 axis are evident. In conclusion, statistical estimate of the data revealed no strong significant relationships between the treatment (copper and cadmium in M. alterniflorum) and the somatic or photosynthetic endpoints studied. This lack of significant results could be explained by the low metal concentrations tested and this study failed to reproduce our first conclusions about the correlation between cadmium, chlorophyll A and carotenoids.

Cadmium induces a heterogeneous and caspase-dependent apoptotic response in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The toxic metal cadmium is linked to a series of degenerative disorders in humans, in which Cd-induced programmed cell death (apoptosis) may play a role. The yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, provides a valuable model for elucidating apoptosis mechanisms, and this study extends that capability to Cd-induced apoptosis. We demonstrate that S. cerevisiae undergoes a glucose-dependent, programmed cell death in response to low cadmium concentrations, which is initiated within the first hour of Cd exposure. The response was associated with induction of the yeast caspase, Yca1p, and was abolished in a yca1Delta mutant. Cadmium-dependent apoptosis was also suppressed in a gsh1Delta mutant, indicating a requirement for glutathione. Other apoptotic markers, including sub-G(1) DNA fragmentation and hyper-polarization of mitochondrial membranes, were also evident among Cd-exposed cells. These responses were not distributed uniformly throughout the cell population, but were restricted to a subset of cells. This apoptotic subpopulation also exhibited markedly elevated levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). The heightened ROS levels alone were not sufficient to induce apoptosis. These findings highlight several new perspectives to the mechanism of Cd-dependent apoptosis and its phenotypic heterogeneity, while opening up future analyses to the power of the yeast model system.

Modeling effects of cadmium on population growth of Palaemonetes pugio: Results of a full life cycle exposure

In an 8-month laboratory experiment, Palaemonetes pugio (grass shrimp) were exposed to aqueous cadmium (free cadmium ion concentrations of 1.51 or 2.51 μg Cd 2+/L) for an entire life cycle, from larva to reproductive adult and through to production of second-generation larva. Individual-level effects on survival, life stage duration, and reproduction were measured, and population growth was projected using two models: a stage-based matrix model and a z-transformed life cycle graph analysis. Adult survival was significantly reduced at 2.51 μg Cd 2+/L, but cadmium exposure had no effects on survival or stage duration of embryos, larvae, or juveniles. Survival of second-generation larvae was unaffected by maternal exposure. Brood size was reduced by 27% at 1.51 μg Cd 2+/L and by 36% at 2.51 μg Cd 2+/L. The percent of females in the population that was gravid was approximately 50% lower at 2.51 μg Cd 2+/L, compared to controls. Both population models projected a dose-dependent decrease in population growth rate ( λ), up to a 12% reduction at 2.51 μg Cd 2+/L, which can be attributed mainly to contributions from reproductive effects. Elasticity analysis revealed that population growth rate was most sensitive to changes in survival of juveniles and adults. However, lethal effects of cadmium made only a small contribution to the effect on population growth rate. Even though both models project positive growth ( λ > 1) of grass shrimp populations exposed to low concentrations of cadmium, the ability of populations to withstand predation pressure would be compromised.

Chronic exposure to low concentrations of waterborne cadmium during embryonic and larval development results in the long‐term hindrance of antipredator behavior in zebrafish

Cadmium has been recognized for some time as a potent environmental pollutant with the capability of disrupting olfactory-mediated behaviors. Failing to respond to chemical cues in the environment could adversely affect foraging, reproduction and predator avoidance. Recognizing this impaired perception as a serious ecological problem has been undermined by the fact that the damage is often reversible; short depuration periods of 5 d may allow for the re-establishment of responses to chemical cues. In this experiment, early life stage zebrafish were continuously exposed for 50 d at 0, 0.2, 2.0, and 20 microg Cd/L. The subjects were depurated for 14 d and then subjected to behavioral testing where antipredator responses to chemical alarm cues were observed. Our data show that continuous exposure during rearing to a concentration as low as 20 microg Cd/L is sufficient at eliminating antipredator behavior in zebrafish (Danio rerio) even after the source of the cadmium had been removed for 14 d. Furthermore, subjects raised under a 10-fold lower concentration also showed alteration in their behavioral responses, taking significantly longer to respond to the predation threat. Exposure to low levels of cadmium throughout development may alter neurogenesis, subsequently resulting in long-term impairment of chemical cue perception.

The Assessment of Cadmium Accumulation Factors in Atractylodis japonica

The toxic metal contamination of medicinal plants has been regulatory concern for acquiring the quality of traditional medicines in Korea. The Chinese standards of GTSIEMPP [1] established the maximum cadmium amounts in importing and exporting medicinal plants. But it has been reported that some medicinal plant species have a tendency to accumulate cadmium. The acceptance criteria of heavy metals should be based on knowledge of the plant species, its growth, cultivation and the primary processing. When grown on a cadmium-polluted soil, some medicinal plants, such as Atractylodis japonica, can accumulate considerable amounts (more than 0.3 mg/kg) of cadmium. Cadmium in medicinal plants comes to a large extent from root uptake of cadmium deposited in soil. Uptake of cadmium by plants from soils is primarily dependent on the concentration of cadmium in soil. The transfer of cadmium from soil to the medicinal plants depends on a number of additional factors, such as the type and pH of the soil. Another important source of contamination of soils is the use of fertilizers. We determined the cadmium level in cultivated plants, wild collected plants, the pH of the soil, fertilizers, water for irrigation by ICP-MS. The data showed that Atractylodis japonica cultivated has lower cadmium content than the one wild collected. Organic fertilizer was a dominant factor for soil contamination. It concluded that fertilizer inputs during cultivation should not lead to a progressive rise of cadmium levels in medicinal plants sensitive to cadmium. These results could be used to establish acceptance cadmium limits and GACP guidelines of Atractylodis japonica.

Phytotoxicity of cadmium on protein, proline and antioxidant enzyme activities in growing Arachis hypogaea L. seedlings

Phytotoxicity of cadmium on growing Arachis hypogaea L. seedlings was studied. Seeds were exposed to 25, 50, and 100 μmol/L CdCl 2 concentrations, for a period of 10, 15, 20 and 25 d. The extent of damage to chlorophyll, protein, proline, nitrate and nitrite reductase, antioxidant enzyme activity in leaves and roots were evaluated after 10 d of cadmium stress. The higher concentration of cadmium (100 μmol/L) resulted (leaves and roots) total chlorophyll 91.01%, protein 79.51%, 83.61%, nitrate reductase 79.39%, 80.72% and nitrite reductase 77.07%, 75.88% activity decreased with increase in cadmium concentrations and exposure periods. Cadmium caused significant changes in the activity of antioxidative enzymes. Contrastingly Cd treated plant tissues showed an increase in proline 159.87%, 239.6%, gluthion reductase (GR) 337.72%, 306.14%, superoxide disumutase (SOD) 688.56%, 381.72%, ascorbate peroxidase (APX) 226.47%, 252.14%, peroxidase (POD) 72.19%, 60.29% and catalase (CAT) 228.96%, 214.74% as compared to control. Cadmium stress caused a significant increase in the rate of SOD activity in leaves and roots of plant species. Results show the crop A. hypogaea is highly sensitive even at very low cadmium concentrations.

Low micromolar concentrations of cadmium and mercury ions activate peritubular membrane K + conductance in proximal tubular cells of frog kidney

The present study was designed to investigate the acute effects of extracellular low micromolar concentrations of cadmium and mercury ions on the peritubular cell membrane potential and its potassium selectivity in proximal tubular cells of the frog kidney. Peritubular exposure to 3 µmol/L Cd 2+ or 1 µmol/L Hg 2+ led to a rapid, sustained and reversible hyperpolarization of the peritubular cell membrane, paralleled by an increase in fractional K + conductance. Peritubular barium abolished hyperpolarization of the peritubular cell membrane to peritubular 3 µmol/L Cd 2+ or 1 µmol/L Hg 2+. Perfusing the lumen with 10 mmol/L l-alanine plus/minus 3 µmol/L Cd 2+ or Hg 2+ did not modify rapid depolarization and rate of slow repolarization of the peritubular cell membrane potential. In conclusion, low micromolar concentrations of Cd 2+ and Hg 2+ increase K + conductive pathway in the peritubular cell membrane and in this way can enhance ability of proximal renal tubular cells to maintain the driving force for electrogenic Na + and substrate reabsorption.

Concentraciones traza de metales en especies marinas de la bahía de Huarmey, Ancash, Perú

Se determinaron las concentraciones traza de cadmio, cobre, plomo y zinc, en músculos y vísceras del caracol (Stramonita T. chocolata), el cangrejo peludo (Cancer setosus), la cabrilla (Paralabrax humeralis), el chorito (Semimytilus algosus), la lapa (Fissurella sp.) y el chitón (Chiton spp., indeterminado)); colectados en octubre 2001 en la bahía de Huarmey, Ancash, Perú. Los órganos seleccionados fueron liofi lizados y sometidos a digestión ácida según método CEM USA 1994 y analizados por espectrofotometría de absorción atómica. Las menores concentraciones de cadmio (0,63 μg/g), cobre (1,87 μg/g) y zinc (1,70 μg/g), se encontraron en el músculo de P. humeralis; mientras que valores máximos de zinc (24,16 μg/g) se observaron en vísceras del T. chocolata y de cobre (28,0 μg/g) en músculo de Chiton spp. Las concentraciones halladas estuvieron dentro de los límites internacionales establecidos por algunos países (Nauen, 1983).

Metal Content in Soil and Black Spruce (Picea mariana) Trees in the Sudbury Region (Ontario, Canada): Low Concentration of Arsenic, Cadmium, and Nickel Detected near Smelter Sources

Several studies have reported high metal concentrations in soil within the vicinity of smelters in the Sudbury (Ontario) region. Continued investigation and monitoring of soil and vegetation are essential to the understanding of ecosystem recovery following the reduction of emissions from smelters and the establishment of a reforestation program. The concentrations of Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Ni, and Zn, found in the present study were within the limits set by Ontario Ministry of Environment and Energy (OMEE) guidelines even in sites within the vicinity of the Falconbridge Smelters. The levels of these elements in black spruce (Picea mariana) tissues were much lower and far below the toxic levels for vegetation. This is the first documented report of metal content in black spruce populations in the Sudbury region.

Cadmium adsorption on vermiculite, zeolite and pumice: Batch experimental studies

Batch experiments were performed to evaluate the combined effects of ionic activity, pH, and contact time on the cadmium sorption in three different minerals, vermiculite, zeolite, and pumice, commonly employed as substrata in nurseries and recently considered for their potential use in remediation methods. The extent of cadmium sorption was vermiculite > zeolite > pumice, as shown by the Langmuir and Freundlich parameters, and it was highly dependent on mineral characteristics. The percentage of cadmium sorption in zeolite and vermiculite did not depend on cadmium concentration, while in pumice this percentage was positively correlated to the initial cadmium concentration. At low cadmium concentrations (30–120 μM), the metal sorbed on zeolite was mainly present in the nonexchangeable form (70%) at levels much higher than those found for vermiculite and pumice. The primary variable responsible for determination of cadmium mobility in these minerals was confirmed to be pH. The ionic concentrations of Hoagland nutrient solution were significantly modified by both pH and mineral composition, while the presence of cadmium caused no changes. With vermiculite and zeolite, the time-course of cadmium sorption was related to mineral composition to a greater extent than to cadmium concentration. While with pumice, the percentage of cadmium sorbed after 6 weeks was lower than with the other two minerals, and it was inversely correlated to the initial cadmium concentration.

Thermal annealing effect on structural and electrical properties of chemical bath-deposited CdS films

X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and electrical investigations of CdCl 2–thiourea–ammonia bath-deposited (CBD) CdS films on glass before and after post-deposition annealing have been carried out. The thiourea (TU) concentration, temperature and H 2, vacuum and isothermal ambient have been varied at low concentration of cadmium 1 mM. Coverage on glass, resistivity of CdS and mobility of charge carriers could be controlled by temperature, time and ambient of heat-treatment, and by thiourea concentration in bath. It is concluded that sintering of CdS, slow diffusion, incorporation in lattice and vaporization of cadmium chloride are the main factors of the heat-treatment process, responsible for changes in resistivity of CBD CdS.

CdSe/ZnSe quantum dot structures grown by molecular beam epitaxy with a CdTe submonolayer stressor

A procedure for formation of CdSe quantum dots (QDs) in a ZnSe matrix is suggested. The procedure is based on the introduction of a CdTe submonolayer stressor deposited on the matrix surface just before deposition of the material of the QDs. (For CdTe/ZnSe structure, the relative lattice mismatch is Δa/a ≈ 14%.) The stressor forms small strained islands at the ZnSe surface, thus producing local fields of high elastic stresses controlling the process of the self-assembling of the QDs. According to the data of transmission electron microscopy, this procedure allows a considerable increase in the surface density of QDs, with a certain decrease in their lateral dimensions (down to 4.5 ± 1.5 nm). In the photoluminescence spectra, a noticeable (∼150 meV) shift of the peak to longer wavelengths from the position of the reference CdSe/ZnSe QD structure is observed. The shift is due to some transformation of the morphology of the QDs and an increase in the Cd content in the QDs. Comprehensive studies of the nanostructures by recording and analyzing the excitation spectra of photoluminescence, the time-resolved photoluminescence spectra, and the cathodoluminescence spectra show that the emission spectra involve two types of optical transitions, namely, the type-I transitions in the CdSeTe/ZnSe QDs and the type-II transitions caused mainly by the low cadmium content (Zn,Cd)(Se,Te)/ZnSe layer formed between the QDs.

Removal of Cadmium by Myriophyllum heterophyllum Michx. and Potamogeton crispus L. and Its Effect on Pigments and Total Phenolic Compounds

In this study, cadmium biosorption by Myriophyllum heterophyllum Michx. and Potamogeton crispus L. was investigated. Although both species were found to be capable of removing cadmium from water, the performance of P. crispus was the most significant. These species were treated with 0, 4, 8, 16, 32, and 64 mg L(-1) cadmium solutions for 24, 48, 72, and 96 h, respectively. Cadmium uptake of both species was lowest at 4 mg L(-1 )and highest at 64 mg L(-1). Photosynthetic pigments and total phenolic compounds in both species were determined after exposure to various concentrations of cadmium for various times. Depending on the cadmium accumulation in both species, it was shown to decrease the level of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoids (24 and 96 h). The anthocyanin concentration in P. crispus increased at all cadmium concentrations studied (0, 4, 8, 16, 32, and 64 mg L(-1)), whereas in Myriophyllum heterophyllum it increased at the lower cadmium concentrations (0, 4, and 8 mg L(-1)) but decreased at higher cadmium concentrations (16, 32, and 64 mg L(-1)), for all exposure periods. The total phenolic compound level in both species increased with cadmium concentration during the 24 and 96 h exposure periods.

The role of the novel adenosine 5′-phosphosulfate reductase in regulation of sulfate assimilation of Physcomitrella patens

Sulfate assimilation provides reduced sulfur for the synthesis of the amino acids cysteine and methionine and for a range of other metabolites. The key step in control of plant sulfate assimilation is the reduction of adenosine 5'-phosphosulfate to sulfite. The enzyme catalyzing this reaction, adenosine 5'phosphosulfate reductase (APR), is found as an iron sulfur protein in plants, algae, and many bacteria. In the moss Physcomitrella patens, however, a novel isoform of the enzyme, APR-B, has recently been discovered lacking the co-factor. To assess the function of the novel APR-B we used homologous recombination to disrupt the corresponding gene in P. patens. The knock-out plants were able to grow on sulfate as a sole sulfur source and the content of low molecular weight thiols was not different from wild type plants or plants where APR was disrupted. However, when treated with low concentrations of cadmium the APR-B knockout plants were more sensitive than both wild type and APR knockouts. In wild type P. patens, the two APR isoforms were not affected by treatments that strongly regulate this enzyme in flowering plants. The data thus suggest that in P. patens APS reduction is not the major control step of sulfate assimilation.

Cadmium concentrations in franciscana dolphin (Pontoporia blainvillei) from south brazilian coast

Franciscana dolphins were used as source of information on the bioavailability of cadmium in the neritic waters off South Brazilian Coast. Liver samples obtained from 44 individuals incidentally captured off Rio Grande do Sul State were analyzed by electrothermal AAS. Cadmium concentrations, age, total weight and length of the analyzed dolphins varied between 39 and 4144 µg.kg-1 (wet weight), one and five years, 17.5 and 49.2 kg, and between 105.3 and 156.8 cm, respectively. Concerning hepatic cadmium concentrations of franciscanas, there was no significant difference between data raised by the present study and information from literature, regarding Rio de Janeiro State. The low cadmium concentrations observed may be attributed to the fact that loliginid squids constitute the main cephalopod prey for franciscanas. This study corroborates investigations on cadmium levels in Brazilian squids and strengthened the hypothesis that cephalopods of Loliginidae Family do not constitute important vectors of the transfer of cadmium to cetaceans.

Cadmium Toxicity and Bioaccumulation in Freshwater Biofilms

A microcosm study was undertaken to examine the effects of dissolved cadmium at various concentrations (0, 10, and 100 microg . L(-1)) on biofilm accumulation and diatom assemblages. A natural biofilm sampled from the Riou-Mort River (Southwest France) was inoculated into three experimental systems, where biofilm settled on glass slides. Samples collected after 1, 2, 4, and 6 weeks of colonization were analyzed for metal accumulation (total metal content and intracellular metal content in the biofilm), biomass (as measured through dry weight and ash-free dry matter), and quantitative as well as qualitative analysis of diatom assemblages. There was a positive correlation between cadmium accumulation and dissolved cadmium concentrations and duration of exposure: a linear relationship was found between concentration factors (CFs) of growing biofilms and time (CFs/day = 0.25 and 0.38 under contaminations of 10 and 100 microgCd . L(-1), respectively). Biofilm settlement, more than photosynthetic activity, was affected by high cadmium concentrations: we observed for all stages of settlement a drastic and significant (p < 0.05) reduction in biofilm biomass and in diatom densities in the highest cadmium contamination, compared to control and low cadmium concentration units.

Heavy Metal Distribution in Tissues of Six Fish Species Included in Human Diet, Inhabiting Freshwaters of the Nature Park “Hutovo Blato” (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

The aim of the study was to quantify heavy metal (mercury, lead, cadmium, and arsenic) concentration in tissues (muscles, liver, kidney, gills, and gonads) of six fish species (carp: Cyprinus carpio, tench: Tinca tinca, pumpkinseed: Lepomis gibosus, prussian carp: Carassius auratus gibelio, hasselquist: Salmo dentex, eel: Anguilla anguilla) from the freshwaters of the Nature Park Hutovo Blato, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and determine whether they are potentially harmful for human health if included in the diet. Fish were angled from the Svitava Lake in the second part of August of the year 2003, and fish tissues were stored at -18 degrees C until analysis. Heavy metal concentration was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry in the Veterinary Institute Brno, Czech Republic, and expressed as mg.kg(-1) of wet tissue. Concentration of mercury, lead, and arsenic in most tissues of all analyzed fish types is lower than the maximal allowed concentration (MAC) in most countries. Cadmium concentration is also low in muscles and gonads, but kidney, liver, and gill concentrations exceed MAC value in most countries. Hasselquist, an endemic type for that region, differs from other fish types in the fact that it has very low cadmium concentration in liver and kidney, but the highest concentration of arsenic in most tissues, especially muscles. In muscles and gonads of all fish types analyzed, Pb is present in higher concentration than Cd, whereas in liver, gills, and particularly kidney, the situation is opposite, suggesting diverse metabolic pathways and unequal bioaccumulation of these two metals in different fish tissues. Although the region of the Nature Park Hutovo Blato in Bosnia and Herzegovina is not an agricultural territory, the intensive agricultural activities in the neighboring regions already result in high cadmium concentration in inner organs of fish species analyzed. Therefore, fish types in the freshwaters of the Park may be included in the human diet, but without inner organs and gills (or the whole head).

Effluents and Solid Waste Analysis in a Petrochemical Company‐ A Case Study of Eleme Petrochemical Company Ltd, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Effluents and soil samples where sediments from the treated effluents are dumped were analyzed for physicochemical properties, metallic and non‐metallic ions. These parameters were compared with established international standard (FEPA). Effluents were classified as process waste water (PWW), clarified water (CW), and final discharge (FD). The petrochemical effluents contained very high concentration of TDS (284.00±014 mg/L) and significant concentrations of TSS (78.89±0.01 mg/L), COD (30.10±0.02 mg/L), DO (13.20±0.01 mg/L), BOD (6.12±0.00 mg/L), PO43- (4.34±0.00 mg/L), SO42- (3.59±0.00 mg/L), Cl- (55.52±0.01 mg/L) and NO3- (8.40±0.01 mg/L). Low concentrations of iron, zinc, copper, cadmium, lead, nickel and cobalt was also observed. Some heavy metals were not detected at all in some of the effluent samples analyzed. Apart from temperature and total dissolved solid TDS, all the other parameters were below FEPA effluent limitations for guidelines for Petroleum Refinery, Fuel/Gasoline oil category in Nigeria.

Effects of cadmium on root apical meristems of Pisum sativum L.: Cell viability, cell proliferation and microtubule pattern as suitable markers for assessment of stress pollution

By studying the effects of four concentrations of cadmium (0.25, 2.5, 25, 250 μM) on Pisum sativum L. roots, we compared parameters generally used in short-term tests for environmental monitoring – root length, mitotic index, occurrence of mitotic aberrations – with less explored parameters related to meristem activity, such as apex size and viability, percentage of DNA-synthesizing cells and microtubule alterations. The results show that low cadmium concentrations caused a reduction of root growth, which is directly related to reduction of apex length, mitotic activity and percentage of DNA-synthetizing cells. The microtubular cytoskeleton was highly sensitive to cadmium, as microtubule alterations appeared after treatment with the lowest cadmium concentration, pointing to microtubules or microtubule-associated proteins, among the main targets of cadmium. In contrast, cell viability was a less sensitive parameter, as it decreased only upon treatment with the highest cadmium concentrations. The different sensitivities of the parameters examined in this work support the use of different endpoints for assessment of risk from polluted soils and waters.

ICP/OES Application for Assessing Cadmium Uptake (or Toxicity) in Glomerular Cells: Influence of Extracellular Calcium

The risks of metals for health are highlighted by their chemical stability and their persistence in the environment. Chronic exposure to low cadmium (Cd) concentrations results in renal dysfunction mainly. Cd has been regarded primarily as a renal tubular toxicant, but glomerular structures may also be affected. Since the cellular environment may influence metal toxicity, differences concerning Cd uptake and toxicity were evaluated according to calcium (Ca) medium concentrations. An optimized inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometry method (ICP/OES) was developed under defined conditions, as a selective analytical tool to determine cadmium uptake in glomerular mesangial cells. The performance characteristics of the analytical system were evaluated for both Cd and Ca by calibration (50 to 250 μg/L and 1 to 5 mg/L), linearity (r 2 .9968 and .9943), limits of detection (1 μg/L and 0.1 mg/L) and quantitation (3 μg/L and 0.3 mg/L), accuracy with spiking, and repeatability (1.2 and 2.9%) with matrix matched standards. Total intracellular Cd content was significantly threefold lower in 0.175 mM Ca medium (Ca-free Eagle's minumum essential medium [EMEM] medium with 5% fetal bovine serum [FBS]) than in EMEM medium (1.8 mM Ca) with respectively 0.16 and 0.37 μg/mg proteins after 24 h of Cd (1 μM) exposure. Similar differences were obtained in cytotoxicity studies with a fourfold reduction in the mortality index (IC50). Complementary assays using Ca-spiked medium reinforced that Cd cytotoxicity and uptake were significantly dependent on the concentration of extracellular Ca. These findings suggest direct link between Cd uptake and toxicity, underlining the relevance of the analytical method.