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Bioaccumulation of heavy metals by benthic invertebrates at the Arkansas River, Colorado

Journal Article · · Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry; (United States)
;  [1]
  1. Colorado State Univ., Fort Collins, CO (United States). Dept. of Fisheries and Wildlife Biology
A one-year biomonitoring study was conducted to determine the extent of metal contamination (Cd, Cu, and Zn) in a benthic community from the Arkansas River (CO), a subalpine stream impacted by discharges from historic mining operations. Elevated concentrations of metals in water were paralleled by higher concentrations in benthic organisms. Significant differences (p < 0.05) in metal concentrations in aufwuchs and benthic macroinvertebrates among upstream (reference) and downstream stations were observed. Metal concentration in aufwuchs and benthic invertebrates remained elevated at some downstream stations, despite decreases in water concentrations. Time of year and functional group contributed to the variation in metal bioaccumulation in benthic macroinvertebrates. Monitoring metal concentrations in aquatic macroinvertebrates was a better indicator of metal bioavailability in the Arkansas River than ambient (water) metal concentrations.
OSTI ID:
7273383
Journal Information:
Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry; (United States), Journal Name: Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry; (United States) Vol. 12:8; ISSN ETOCDK; ISSN 0730-7268
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English