Cadmium and Zinc Concentrations in the Hyperiid Amphipod, Parathemisto libellula from the Bering Sea

Abstract

Cadmium and zinc concentrations were analyzed in the pelagic amphipod, Parathemisto libellula, collected in the Bering Sea during the summers of 1974-1979.Concentrations were 3.35-33.3mg Cd/g dry wt and 51-162 jlg Zn/g dry wt, respectively.Cadmium accumulation was correlated with body length (r=0.497) and body weight (r=O.558), and was higher than in other zooplankton groups.Zinc concentrations in this species were within the same range as in other planktonic crustaceans.The elevated cadmium level in P. libellula was probably the result of biomagnification through the food web.The biological implication of cadmium accumulation in this species is discussed relative to what is known about crustaceans.