Effects of gut sediment contents on heavy metal levels in the amphipod Corophium volutator (Pallas)

Abstract

Concentrations of copper, zinc and cadmium were determined in Corophium volutator (with and without gut contents) exposed for 4 and 10 days to contaminated sediment. Significant differences were observed in metal concentrations among individuals, where gut contents were removed and those there they were left intact. On the other hand, the concentrations of these metals in Corophium were always high when no time was given for amphipods to depurate their guts. Therefore, it is recommended that either depuration in seawater or removal of the gut should be carried out before analysing amphipods for metal levels.