Effects of crystal structure on the uptake of metals by lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) otoliths

Abstract

This is the first study to report spectroscopic and elemental analysis of aragonite and vaterite growing simultaneously and separately in both the core and the edges of the same otolith. Our investigations focused on understanding differential trace metal uptake, including the influence of the metal itself (i.e., ionic radii), the crystalline structure, and the development state of the fish. Chemistry and crystal structure of sagittal otoliths from lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) were studied using laser ablation combined with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) and Raman spectroscopy, respectively. Analyses of the composition of vaterite and aragonite growing in the same growth ring show that smaller cations like Mg (0.86 Å) (1 Å = 0.1 nm) and Mn (0.81 Å) were more abundant in the vaterite hexagonal crystal structure, whereas larger cations such as Sr (1.32 Å) and Ba (1.49 Å) were preferentially incorporated in aragonite (orthorhombic). Similarly, the coprecipitation of aragonite and vaterite in cores and edges allowed us to demonstrate that the uptake rates (as determined by element-specific partition coefficients) for Sr and Ba were greater in aragonite than vaterite, whereas those of Mg and Mn were higher in vaterite than in aragonite.

Recruitment sources of invasive Bighead carp (Hypopthalmichthys nobilis) and Silver carp (H. molitrix) inhabiting the Illinois River

“…Lapilli were used rather than asterisci otoliths because the asterisci possess a vaterite crystalline structure (as opposed to aragonite in lapilli); aragonite has a higher affinity for strontium than vaterite (Melancon et al 2005) and, therefore, the lapilli were preferable for analysis of otolith Sr:Ca in Bighead and Silver carps. Equivalent differences in calcium carbonate crystalline structure between lapilli and asterisci have also been observed in Grass…”

Confocal Raman microscope mapping as a tool to describe different mineral and organic phases at high spatial resolution within marine biogenic carbonates: case study on <i>Nerita undata</i> (Gastropoda, Neritopsina)

“…The Raman signal measured, results from the interaction of monochromatic light with molecular vibrations (inelastic light scattering). Confocal Raman microscopy (CRM) using a laser as source for photons provides a high spatial resolution (down to ∼250 nm) and is therefore ideally suited for the investigation of biogenic minerals (Melancon et al, 2005;BorzeckaProkop et al, 2007;Hild et al, 2008). The high efficiency of modern CRM systems equipped with automated scanning stages make it possible to map whole sample areas.…”

Misidentification of the migratory history of anguillid eels by Sr/Ca ratios of vaterite otoliths

“…The deposition of elements in the otolith is a complex biogeochemical process influenced by the ambient water (Campana 1999), the physiology and ontogeny of the fish (Kalish 1989, Tzeng 1996, and by the otolith crystal structure (Brown & Severin 1999, Melancon et al 2005. In nature, CaCO 3 has 3 polymorphs: calcite, aragonite and vaterite, which differ in their crystal structures (Oliveira & Farina 1996, Klein & Hurlburt 1999.…”