Chemical Extractions of Heavy Metals in Sediments and Metal Uptake by Palaemonetes pugio and Mercenaria merenaria.
Abstract
Sediments from four sites in the Hampton Roads Harbor and Elizabeth River system were subjected to solid phase bioassays using Palaemonetes pugio (grass shrimp) and Mercenaria mercenaria (clams). A reference sediment from an offhsore potential disposal site was included. Metal levels in both organisms after exposure to the sediments varied little between sites. There was essentially no difference in metal uptake between organisms exposed to the test sediments and to the reference sediment. Based on these results, all of the test sites would be acceptable for ocean disposal with respect to the metals tested. Metal concentrations in Palaemonetes were generally greater than in Merceneria. Since there was no significant difference in the concentrations in tissue for either organism, there was no correlation of metal uptake with sediment extraction method. Out of four sites and seven metals studied with two test organisms, only four instances of bioaccumulation occurred. Using data from sediment extractable metals and metal/Fe ratios, Palaemonetes were enriched with respect to the sediment in chromium, copper, nickel, lead, and zinc; Mecenaria were enriched in lead and zinc.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 17, 1984
- Accession Number
- ADA165202
Entities
People
- Joseph H. Rule
Organizations
- Old Dominion University