Trace Metal Contamination of Bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) from Two Indiana Lakes

Abstract

Bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) from two industrially contaminated Indiana lakes were analyzed for cadmium, zinc, and lead content. Bluegill collected from several uncontaminated sites were used to establish background metal concentrations. The highest mean concentrations of Cd and Zn were found in Palestine Lake bluegill (3.4 μg Cd/g and 220 μg Zn/g) and the highest mean concentration of Pb was found in Little Center lake bluegill (6.1 μg Pb/g). These mean concentrations were significantly higher than background.