Literature concerning the bioaccumulation of metals by freshwater and marine fishes and invertebrates has been reviewed; metal residue levels are also reported for a few mammals and plants. Twenty-one metals are considered in individual sections of the review and a bibliography of over 300 literature citations is included. The major sources of each metal to the environment are listed as are the causes and symptoms of metal toxicity in humans. Some discussion is included on the health implications of human consumption of metal-contaminated aquatic organisms. Available information is presented on: routes of accumulation, kinetics of accumulation and excretion, distribution within organisms, physiological responses of organisms, residue-toxicity thresholds, chemical speciation relative to biological availability, and microbial and chemical interconversions in aqueous systems. Major areas of insufficient knowledge are identified. Few metals accumulate in the edible portions of aquatic organisms; moreover, most metals when ingested orally have a relatively low toxicity to humans. However, mercury, arsenic, and radioactive cesium may reach hazardous concentrations in edible tissues of fishes and shellfishes; additionally, in shellfishes, cadmium, lead, and other metal isotopes may exceed levels safe for human consumption.

Fisheries Bioassay Laboratory, Montana State University. Grant No. Includes bibliographical references (pages 74-100).