Gonadal and nongonadal zinc concentrations in mussels

Seasonal measurement of zinc levels in mussels (Mytilus edulis) from the Tyne estuary showed a small spring peak and an annual low in September. Zinc concentration was found to be significantly lower in gonadal tissue than in nongonadal tissue. Although gonadal dry weight was strongly negatively cor...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Marine pollution bulletin 1982, Vol.13 (9), p.320-323
Main Authors: Lobel, P.B., Wright, D.A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
estuaries
Marine
metals
Mytilus edulis
trace elements
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Summary:Seasonal measurement of zinc levels in mussels (Mytilus edulis) from the Tyne estuary showed a small spring peak and an annual low in September. Zinc concentration was found to be significantly lower in gonadal tissue than in nongonadal tissue. Although gonadal dry weight was strongly negatively correlated with gonadal zinc concentration there was no significant relationship between gonadal dry weight and whole body zinc levels, indicating that gonadal state has little effect on zinc variability in these animals. However, a strong negative correlation was found between log gonadal zinc concentration and log nongonadal dry weight. Construction of a gonadal index (gonadal/nongonadal dry weight) shows that the seasonal peak zinc concentration in early May occurs before major spawning has taken place. It is concluded that the seasonal dynamics of zinc in this species can be explained in terms of growth of somatic rather than germinal tissue.
ISSN:0025-326X
1879-3363
DOI:10.1016/0025-326X(82)90396-4