Comparing Trace Element Bioaccumulation and Depuration in Snails and Mayfly Nymphs at a Coal Ash-Contaminated Site

Environ Toxicol Chem. 2020 Dec;39(12):2437-2449. doi: 10.1002/etc.4857. Epub 2020 Oct 8.

Abstract

We examined the bioaccumulation of essential (Cu, Fe, Se, and Zn) and nonessential (As and Hg) trace elements in 2 aquatic invertebrate species (adult snails and mayfly nymphs) with different feeding habits at the site of a coal ash spill. Differences in food web pathway, exposure concentrations, and biological processing affected bioaccumulation patterns in these species. Mayflies had higher body burdens, but snails had higher retention of most elements studied. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:2437-2449. © 2020 SETAC.

Keywords: Aquatic invertebrates; Bioaccumulation; Hexagenia bilineata; Metal; Pleurocera canaliculatum.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Arsenic / analysis
  • Arsenic / metabolism
  • Bioaccumulation*
  • Coal Ash / analysis*
  • Environmental Monitoring
  • Ephemeroptera / metabolism*
  • Food Chain
  • Metals, Heavy / analysis
  • Metals, Heavy / metabolism
  • Nymph / metabolism
  • Rivers / chemistry
  • Snails / metabolism*
  • Tennessee
  • Trace Elements / analysis
  • Trace Elements / metabolism*
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical / analysis
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical / metabolism*

Substances

  • Coal Ash
  • Metals, Heavy
  • Trace Elements
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical
  • Arsenic