Environmental Cadmium and Lead Concentrations in the Bah a Blanca Estuary (Argentina). Potential Toxic Effects of Cd and Pb on Crab Larvae

The occurrence and distribution of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) in surface sediments of the Bah(iac>a Blanca Estuary, Argentina, were studied. This estuary receives significant urban and industrial discharges. Monthly water and surface sediment samples were analyzed and a toxicity bioassay was perf...

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Published in:Oceanologia 2000-01, Vol.42 (4), p.493-493
Main Authors: Ferrer, Laura, Contardi, Elena, Andrade, Santiago J, Asteasuain, Raul, Pucci, Adan E, Marcovecchio, Jorge E
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:The occurrence and distribution of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) in surface sediments of the Bah(iac>a Blanca Estuary, Argentina, were studied. This estuary receives significant urban and industrial discharges. Monthly water and surface sediment samples were analyzed and a toxicity bioassay was performed on Chasmagnathus granulata crabs from the intertidal zone of the estuary. Cd and Pb concentrations in sediments and suspended particulate matter (SPM) are higher than those reported previously from the same area, and are similar to those reported from other industrialized areas. Average Pb values in sediment and SPM also are similar to those reported as natural background levels for similar regions. An elevated proportion of labile forms of these metals appears to occur in this study area, which could affect bioavailability. The crab bioassay showed that Cd was significantly more toxic than Pb. LC sub(50) values for Cd and Pb were higher than the corresponding metal concentrations measured in this study.
ISSN:0078-3234