Seasonal and regional variations of metal contamination and condition indicators in yellow perch (Perca flavescens) along two polymetallic gradients. I. Factors influencing tissue metal concentrations
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Date
2008
Authors
Couture, Patrice
Busby, Patrick
Gauthier, Charles
Rajotte, James W.
Pyle, Gregory
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Taylor & Francis
Abstract
This study examined relationships among water, sediment, diet, and fish tissue
metal (Cd, Cu, Ni, Se, and Zn) concentrations in yellow perch from metal gradients
in two regions (Sudbury (S), Ontario, and Rouyn-Noranda (RN), Qu´ebec, Canada)
in two seasons (spring and summer). The objectives of this study were (1) to examine
the influences of aqueous and dietary metal contamination on yellow perch liver and
kidney metal accumulation; (2) to compare the seasonal and regional variations in
gut content and tissue metal concentrations along the two gradients studied; and
(3) to investigate the potential of metals for tissue accumulation under conditions
of life-long chronic exposure. Our results suggest a greater aqueous than dietary
influence on tissue metal concentrations for all metals examined except Cd, where
the opposite was observed. Metals did not accumulate in older fish, except for Cd
that accumulated with age in RN, but not S, fish. Regional, but also metal-specific
differences in metal handling capacities are proposed. Fish from neither region
appeared capable of regulating tissue Cd concentrations, but fish from both regions
regulated Zn tightly. Sudbury fish appeared better at regulating tissue Cu, Ni, and
perhaps also Se concentrations than RN fish, suggesting acclimation or selection
for metal tolerance. There were several significant seasonal effects on tissue metal
concentrations. However, close examination of the dataset does not allow proposing
the presence of a season-linked mechanism explaining these variations, precluding a modeling approach and implying that repeat sampling within and among years is
required for proper ecological risk assessment.
Description
Sherpa Romeo green journal
Keywords
Metals , Yellow perch , Dietary and aqueous influences , Seasonality , Regional variations
Citation
Couture, P., P. Busby, J. Rajotte, C. Gauthier, and G. Pyle. 2008. Seasonal and regional variations of metal contamination and condition indicators in yellow perch (Perca flavescens) along two polymetallic gradients. I. Factors influencing tissue metal concentrations. Human and Ecological Risk Assessment, 14: 97-125.