Changes of cadmium content in various organs of common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) during the fast growth period following initial rearing in contaminated water

Abstract

In this paper, the dynamics of cadmium elimination were assessed in various organs of freshwater common carp, Cyprinus carpio L. The fish used in the study were undergoing a period of intensive growth between the third and sixth months of life. The aim of this study was to assess comparatively cadmium elimination dynamics by various organs of common carp after transferring them to a laboratory environment, taking into account their growth rate and accompanying seasonal changes. The study focused on individuals of common carp obtained from an experimental station where they had been kept in post-cooling water. The study was divided into four stages during which various fish organs and tissues (liver, kidneys, skin, gills, alimentary tract, muscles) were examined and subjected to assays for cadmium content at pre-determined periods of time. Average cadmium contents in the examined carp organs ranged from 0.004 to 0.053 mg g-1 wet weight. The highest values of Cd content were recorded in the liver, the mid posterior section of the alimentary tract, and the gills, while the lowest value was noted in the muscles.

CORRESPONDING AUTHOR:

Dr Ewa Brucka-Jastrzębska, Uniwersytet Szczeciński, Wydział Nauk Przyrodniczych, Katedra Fizjologii, Zakład Fizjologii Zwierząt, Al. Piastów 40b blok VI, 71-065 Szczecin; Tel./Fax: +48 91 4442751; e-mail: ewabrucka@poczta.onet.pl