Determination of mercury by cold‐vapour technique in several tissues of treated American red crayfish (Procambarus clarkii)

Abstract

Adult intermolt specimens of American red crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) collected from Lake Albufera (Valencia, Spain), were exposed to mercury during 96 h. The Hg-concentrations used were 50, 100, and 250 µg Hg/1 as Cl 2 Hg. The content of mercury in muscle, midgut gland, antennal glands and gills was investigated. Determinations of mercury were made by cold-vapour technique and AAS. The mercury levels in all examinated tissues increased significantly (ANOVA test, p < 0.01) with increasing Hg-concentration in the water. INTRODUCTION.Aquatic pollution with mercury and its resulting uptake and accumulation by crustaceans and other aquatic animals has been studied for a long time. Aquatic ecosystems are particular concern since many animals in these environments concentrate large amounts of mercury rapidly (Friberg, 1971;Ackefors, 1970).