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Effect of cadmium body burdens in adult Crassostrea virginica on fecundity and viability of larvae

Journal Article · · Bull. Environ. Contam. Toxicol.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01611030· OSTI ID:5886615

Because marine bivalves in general and Crassostrea virginica in particular are good accumulators of metals, a study was performed to determine if embryos from parents with high concentrations of cadmium in soft tissues are more sensitive to cadmium toxicity than those from parents with low tissue cadmium concentrations. In addition, the study was designed to investigate the effect of selected cadmium treatments on larval growth. It was found that despite cadmium concentrations as high as 270 micrograms/gram dry weight in the total soft tissues, oysters spawned heavily. It was generally concluded that seawater cadmium concentrations of 5 micrograms/kg are not toxic to oyster embryos, but does cause enough stress to delay development into larvae.

Research Organization:
Environmental Research Lab., Narragansett, RI
OSTI ID:
5886615
Journal Information:
Bull. Environ. Contam. Toxicol.; (United States), Journal Name: Bull. Environ. Contam. Toxicol.; (United States) Vol. 27:3; ISSN BECTA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English