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The effect of digenean (Platyhelminthes) infections on heavy metal concentrations in Littorina littorea

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  14 June 2001

D.W. Evans ,
S.W.B. Irwin  and
S. Fitzpatrick
D.W. Evans
Affiliation:
Faculty of Agriculture and Food Science, Queen's University Belfast, Newforge Lane, Belfast, Co. Antrim, BT9 5PX, Northern Ireland, E-mail: deexie@hotmail.com
S.W.B. Irwin
Affiliation:
School of Environmental Studies, University of Ulster, Shore Road, Newtownabbey, Co. Antrim, BT37 0QB, Northern Ireland
S. Fitzpatrick
Affiliation:
School of Environmental Studies, University of Ulster, Shore Road, Newtownabbey, Co. Antrim, BT37 0QB, Northern Ireland
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Abstract

This study examined the inter-relationships between molluscs, heavy metal concentrations and trematode parasites. Littorina littorea (Mollusca: Gastropoda) were sampled seasonally from two sites in a tidal lagoon. Site A was close to the inflow of a polluted stream whilst site B was at the opposite end of the lagoon. The samples were analysed for lead, iron, copper and nickel. Metal concentrations in L. littorea varied with site, season and parasite infection, and exceeded comparative non-polluted concentrations for all metals in some samples. Parasitized periwinkles consistently had significantly lower levels of iron, copper and nickel than uninfected periwinkles.

Type
Brief Report
Information
Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom , Volume 81 , Issue 2 , April 2001 , pp. 349 - 350
Copyright
2001 Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom

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