Specific accumulation of heavy metals in relict pinnipeds, Baikal seals and Caspian seals
- Ehime Univ., Matsuyama (Japan)
- Univ. of Tokyo (Japan). Ocean Research Inst.
Heavy metal concentrations (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Pb, Ni, Cd, Co and Hg) were determined in muscle, liver and kidney of 60 Baikal seals from the Lake Baikal in 1992 and of 42 Caspian seals from Caspian Sea in 1993 as well as fishes collected from both habitats. In case of essential elements, higher concentrations of Fe and lower concentrations of Mn and Cu were detected in the liver of Baikal seals, when compared with marine pinnipeds. High hepatic Fe concentrations of Baikal seals might be explained by their highly diving ability. The interesting relationship was found between mean hepatic Cu concentrations and reproductive activity, lactation and gestation period of true seals (Phocidae). Baikal seals, which have longest lactation and shorter gestation period, had low Cu concentrations, suggesting that Cu accumulation level in the liver of phocidae is determined by reproductive activities. Lower levels of toxic elements (Cd and Hg) were observed in Baikal seals, which was attributable to the low concentration in dietary fishes. In contrast, relatively high Hg and Cd concentrations were found in Caspian seals (Max. hepatic Hg conc.-150 {micro}g g{sup {minus}1} wet weight and renal Cd: 55 {micro}g g{sup {minus}1} wet weight). These results suggest the existence of heavy metal pollution source in Caspian Sea. Unusual age dependent accumulation, apparent sexual deference and decreasing concentrations of Hg and Cd after maturity were found in Baikal seals. Probably, these trends of Baikal seals were caused by lower background levels of Hg and Cd in the natural environment of Lake Baikal and/or the presence of specific animals in the food-chain that have less capacity to accumulate these toxic metals.
- OSTI ID:
- 367526
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-9511137-; ISBN 1-880611-03-1; TRN: IM9640%%272
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 2. Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) world conference, Vancouver (Canada), 5-9 Nov 1995; Other Information: PBD: 1995; Related Information: Is Part Of Second SETAC world congress (16. annual meeting): Abstract book. Global environmental protection: Science, politics, and common sense; PB: 378 p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Evaluation of the use of common sculpin (Myoxocephalus scorpius) organ histology as bioindicator for element exposure in the fjord of the mining area Maarmorilik, West Greenland
Age dependent and geographical variations of heavy metals in northern fur seals