Utilising caging techniques to investigate metal assimilation in Nucella lapillus, Mytilus edulis and Crassostrea gigas at three Irish coastal locations

Abstract

.: Utilising caging techniques to investigate metal assimilation in Nucella lapillus, Mytilus edulis and Crassostrea gigas at three Irish coastal locations. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, vol. 132, 1 November 2013, p. 77-86. doi:10.1016/j.ecss.2011 Pollution by metals has been of increasing concern for a number of decades but at present, the mechanism of metal accumulation in sentinel species is not fully understood and further studies are required for environmental risk assessment of metals in aquatic environments. The use of caging techniques has proven to be useful for assessment of water quality in coastal and estuarine environments. This study investigates the application of caging techniques for monitoring uptake of 20 elements [Li, Na, Mg, Al, P, K, Ca, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Co, Cu, As, Sb, Pb, Hg, Cd and Zn] in three marine species namely Nucella lapillus, Mytilus edulis and Crassostrea gigas. Stable isotopes were used to determine predatory effects and also used for modelling metal uptake in test species and to track nutrient assimilation. Metal levels were monitored at three different coastal locations, namely Dublin Bay, Dunmore East and Omey Island over 18 weeks. Significant differences in concentrations of Mn, Co and Zn between mussels and oysters were found. Correlations between cadmium levels in N. lapillus and d 13 C and d 15N suggest dietary influences in Cd uptake. Levels of Zn were highest in C. gigas compared to the other two species and levels of Zn were most elevated at the Dunmore East site. Copper levels were more elevated in all test species at both Dublin Bay and Dunmore East. Mercury was raised in all species at Dunmore East compared to the other two sites. Biotic accumulation of metals in the test species demonstrates that caging techniques can provide a valid tool for biomonitoring in metal impacted areas.

A sensitive liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry method for the determination of natural and synthetic steroid estrogens in seawater and marine biota, with a focus on proposed Water Framework Directive Environmental Quality Standards

“…Furthermore, E1 and E2 were not detected in a seasonal study of EDC levels in mussels from the Redbank hatchery in Aughinish Bay (n = 4 samples, Table ). The mussels from this site have been used in a number of transplantation and in vivo studies and characterising potential temporal variation is an essential prerequisite for the evaluation of EDC levels and potential impacts on test species, and in monitoring studies.…”

The effect of size, weight, body compartment, sex and reproductive status on the bioaccumulation of 19 trace elements in rope-grown Mytilus galloprovincialis

“…Giltrap et al (2013) recently monitored Al and Sb in Irish coastal waters with caged mussels Mytilus edulis (mean levels for Al = 118, Sb = 0.28) and oysters Crassostrea gigas (mean levels for Al = 117, Sb = 0.32). Concentrations reported by these authors were lower than the mean Al concentration (200 ± 150) measured in the Diane pond; this terrigenous TE was more concentrated and bioavailable in this semi-enclosed salt pond catching part of streaming waters from the catchment basin of Bravona.…”