Metal-binding protein in the pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas: assessment of the protein as a biochemical environmental indicator

Journal Article · Wed Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1987 · Bull. Environ. Contam. Toxicol.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01608607· OSTI ID:5932533

Imber, B E; Thompson, J A.J.; Ward, S

In this paper the determination of metal-binding proteins (MBP) in the Pacific Oyster (Crassostrea gigas) is reported. The objectives of this study were to employ a simple, cost-effective method for quantifying MBP and to assess this parameter for possible use as an indicator of identifiable sources of metal input to biological systems. Abnormally high quantities of zinc had been found previously in C. gigas growing in waters adjacent to the Kraft pump mill at Crofton, British Columbia. From 1971 to 1973 oysters near the effluent outfalls were found to have body-burden zinc six to ten times the zinc concentrations found in reference specimens. Zinc dithionite was used in the pulping process at the mill until 1973. Subsequent to a change to sodium dithionite, concentrations of zinc in oysters decreased steadily. A second potential source of contamination is sited directly south of the pulp mill. In this case, leaching of copper and zinc from smelter slag into Osborn Bay has been identified.

• Research Organization: C. B. Research International Corp., Sidney, British Columbia
• OSTI ID: 5932533
• Journal Information: Bull. Environ. Contam. Toxicol.; (United States), Journal Name: Bull. Environ. Contam. Toxicol.; (United States) Vol. 38:4; ISSN BECTA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560300* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ANIMALS
AQUATIC ORGANISMS
BIOCHEMISTRY
BIOLOGICAL INDICATORS
BRITISH COLUMBIA
CADMIUM COMPOUNDS
CANADA
CHEMISTRY
COPPER COMPOUNDS
ELEMENTS
INVERTEBRATES
LEAD COMPOUNDS
METALLOPROTEINS
METALS
MOLLUSCS
NORTH AMERICA
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
OYSTERS
POLLUTION
PROTEINS
TRANSITION ELEMENT COMPOUNDS
WATER POLLUTION
ZINC COMPOUNDS