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ARSENIC UPTAKE AND LOSS IN THE AMERICAN OYSTER, 'CRASSOSTREA VIRGINIA'
Citation:
Zaroogian, G. AND G. Hoffman. ARSENIC UPTAKE AND LOSS IN THE AMERICAN OYSTER, 'CRASSOSTREA VIRGINIA'. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/J-81/307 (NTIS PB84139252).
Description:
In addition to a control Crassostrea virginica was treated with 3 and 5 micrograms As per kg for 16 wks at ambient seawater salinity and temperature to determine the potential of C. virginica as an indicator of arsenic pollution. Prior to spawning, as much as 10.3 plus or minus 1.5, 12.7 plus or miinus 2.7, and 14.1 plus or minus 3.7 micrograms As per g dry weight were accumulated in the total soft parts of oysters after treatment with ambient (control), 3 and 5 micrograms As per kg, respectively. Immediately after spawning, an increase in tissue arsenic concentration was observed in all treatments up to week 12, after which a decrease in tissue arsenic concentrations occurred despite continuous addition of arsenic to the seawater. During the uptake period, a significant inverse relationship existed between dry weight and tissue arsenic concentration, whereas a significant direct relationship was apparent between dry weight and tissue content.