Elevated cadmium accumulation in marine organisms from Terra Nova Bay (Antarctica)

Journal Article · Thu Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 1996 · Polar Biology

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/s003000050083· OSTI ID:508590

Bargagli, R; Nelli, L; Ancora, S; Focardi, S ^[1]

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1. Univ. of Siena (Italy)

As a contribution towards identification of the principal environmental factors involved in cadmium accumulation in Antarctic marine organisms and the establishment of a baseline near the Italian Antarctic Station {open_quotes}Baia Terra Nova{close_quotes}, surface sediments, plankton and benthic organisms were studied in coastal waters of Terra Nova Bay (Ross Sea). The cadmium content of sediments was similar to that regarded as background in most marine coastal areas, whereas in surface water, phyto- and zooplankton it was similar to values measured in areas of enhanced upwelling. Algal and animal taxa dominating benthic associations had a higher cadmium content than related species from other seas. Very high concentrations of the metal were found in sponges (10-80 {mu}g/g dw) and in the digestive gland of molluscs (up to 345 {mu}g/g in Neobuccinum eatoni). The rapid regeneration of cadmium and its natural occurrence and bioavailability in highly productive coastal waters seem to be responsible for cadmium accumulation in the tissues of marine organisms near the {open_quotes}Baia Terra Nova{close_quotes} station. 45 refs., 3 figs., 4 tabs.

• OSTI ID: 508590
• Journal Information: Polar Biology, Journal Name: Polar Biology Journal Issue: 7 Vol. 16; ISSN POBIDP; ISSN 0722-4060
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
56 BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
APPLIED STUDIES
ANTARCTICA
AQUATIC ORGANISMS
BIOLOGICAL ACCUMULATION
CADMIUM
CONTAMINATION