| Title | Spatial variations in trace metal and stable isotope content of autochthnous organisms and sediments in the river Po system (Italy). |
| Abstract | Variations in (a) carbon and nitrogen stable isotope composition (as d 13C and d 15N), and (b) trace metal content of sediments
and biota (algae, invertebrates and fish) were investigated at four sites along the river Po (from the middle reaches to the delta)
and one site in the coastal Adriatic area influenced by the river. The aim was to begin accumulating a database to help interpret
differences in the accumulation of toxic substances in biota and sediments, elucidating how food sources and feeding strategies
change between areas of the system differing in terms of anthropogenic influence and distance from the river mouth. C content
and d 13C and d 15N were determined on biological tissue and sediment samples using a continuous flow isotope ratio mass
spectrometer. Trace metal concentrations were assayed by electrothermal (Cd, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb) or flame (Zn) atomic absorption
spectrometry after acid digestion. Hg was assayed on solid samples on an automated mercury analyser using the vapour
generation technique. In the sediments, depletions of the 13C isotope at the post-Lambro site (downstream) relative to the
upstream Lambro site were indicative of the significant pollutant input from this tributary to the Po. Mercury, cadmium and zinc
concentrations in sediments were two-to-three times higher downstream compared to upstream. Differences in carbon and
nitrogen isotope signatures in fish species among the two Lambro sites and the last stretch of the Po indicated variations in the
type of food and primary carbon sources. Only for chromium were concentrations significantly higher in fish muscle from the
post Lambro site than from upstream of the Lambro or the last reaches of the Po. Mean levels of cadmium and zinc in the muscle
of omnivorous fish at the four river sites were low and similar ( , 0.01 to 0.02 mg g21 for Cd, 22-31 mg g21 for zinc), while
between-site differences were found for the other metals. Only for mercury did bioaccumulation reflect trophic level movement. |
| Source | Aquatic ecosystem health & management 2, pp. 39–53 |
| Keywords | Carbon; Nitrogen; Isotopic composition; Foodweb; Bioaccumulation |
| Journal | Aquatic ecosystem health & management |
| Editor | Elsevier Science,, Oxford, Regno Unito |
| Year | 1999 |
| Type | Articolo in rivista |
| Authors | CAMUSSO, M, BALESTRINI R, W. MARTINOTTI, M. ARPINI |
| Text | 317077 1999 Carbon; Nitrogen; Isotopic composition; Foodweb; Bioaccumulation Spatial variations in trace metal and stable isotope content of autochthnous organisms and sediments in the river Po system Italy . CAMUSSO, M, BALESTRINI R, W. MARTINOTTI, M. ARPINI Istituto di Ricerca sulla Acque, CNR, via della Mornera 25, 20047 Brugherio, Italy ENEL Spa, SRI Polo Ambiente GRA, via Rubattino 54, 20134 Milan, Italy Variations in a carbon and nitrogen stable isotope composition as d 13C and d 15N , and b trace metal content of sediments and biota algae, invertebrates and fish were investigated at four sites along the river Po from the middle reaches to the delta and one site in the coastal Adriatic area influenced by the river. The aim was to begin accumulating a database to help interpret differences in the accumulation of toxic substances in biota and sediments, elucidating how food sources and feeding strategies change between areas of the system differing in terms of anthropogenic influence and distance from the river mouth. C content and d 13C and d 15N were determined on biological tissue and sediment samples using a continuous flow isotope ratio mass spectrometer. Trace metal concentrations were assayed by electrothermal Cd, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb or flame Zn atomic absorption spectrometry after acid digestion. Hg was assayed on solid samples on an automated mercury analyser using the vapour generation technique. In the sediments, depletions of the 13C isotope at the post Lambro site downstream relative to the upstream Lambro site were indicative of the significant pollutant input from this tributary to the Po. Mercury, cadmium and zinc concentrations in sediments were two to three times higher downstream compared to upstream. Differences in carbon and nitrogen isotope signatures in fish species among the two Lambro sites and the last stretch of the Po indicated variations in the type of food and primary carbon sources. Only for chromium were concentrations significantly higher in fish muscle from the post Lambro site than from upstream of the Lambro or the last reaches of the Po. Mean levels of cadmium and zinc in the muscle of omnivorous fish at the four river sites were low and similar , 0.01 to 0.02 mg g21 for Cd, 22 31 mg g21 for zinc , while between site differences were found for the other metals. Only for mercury did bioaccumulation reflect trophic level movement. 2 http //www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S146349889900010X Spatial variations in trace metal and stable isotope content of autochthnous organisms and sediments in the river Po system Italy . CamussoAHealth1999.pdf Articolo in rivista Elsevier Science, 1463 4988 Aquatic ecosystem health management Aquatic ecosystem health management Aquat. ecosyst. health manag. Aquatic ecosystem health management Aquatic ecosystem health and management raffaella.balestrini BALESTRINI RAFFAELLA marina.camusso CAMUSSO MARINA |
