Accumulation of cadmium by Palaemon elegans (Crustacea: Decapoda)

Abstract

Accumulahon of cadmium by the shrimp Palaemon elegans has been examined using Cd-109 as a tracer. Cadmlum accumulation by individual shrimp is linear with time unless modified by moulting. Rates of Cd accumulation vary widely between individuals but the variahon could not be attributed to differences in dry weight, sex, nor stage in the moult cycle, suggesting genetic variation. Rate of cadmium accumulation is increased for an indeterminate period after moulting. Loss of cadmium by whole shrimps is also variable and appears unrelated to external Cd concentration. Rates of cadmium accumulation into different tissues of P. elegans vary widely, the rate into the hepatopancreas being 100 times that for the muscle. Cast moults take up cadmium from the surrounding medium.