Open AccessThe distribution of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn in the biota of two freshwater sites with different trace metal inputs
Author(s) -
Anderson R. V.,
Vinikour W. S.,
Brower J. E.
Publication year - 1978
Publication title -
ecography
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.973
H-Index - 128
eISSN - 1600-0587
pISSN - 0906-7590
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0587.1978.tb00973.x
Subject(s) - biota , environmental chemistry , abiotic component , trace metal , substrate (aquarium) , trophic level , crayfish , metal , chemistry , atomic absorption spectroscopy , ecology , biology , physics , organic chemistry , quantum mechanics
The concentrations of Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn were determined in the abiotic and biotic components at two sites in the Fox River, Illinois. Analysis of the metals was completed on solutions of wet ashed or dry ashed samples with a single beam atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Despite different inputs of the trace metals there were no significant differences in the concentration of Cu or Zn in the biota between the two sites. This was postulated to be due to physiological control of these metals. However, Cd and Pb concentrations were higher in the biota and substrate at the high input site. No accumulation of Cd or Pb occurred at higher trophic levels. Cu and Zn concentrations were similar for all biota with the exception of crayfish and snails which had higher Cu and Zn concentrations, respectively.