Abstract

Arash Javanshir, Maryam Shapoori, Hamed Azarbad, Ali-Reza Mir-Vaghefi and Afshin Daneh-Kar

Bioaccumulation of Cadmium as a function of its concentration and exposure time in Saccostrea cucullata (Ostreidae; Bivalvia) has been studied in filtered sea water and in laboratory. Results showed that the accumulation of Cd by gills was greater than other organs such as visceral mass. At 150 µg /l saturation as a function of time appeared in uptake of Cadmium by gills, all binding sites for Cd may be occupied; Cadmium may then be redistributed to the other organs. Also total Calcium concentration in the gills of control animals Ca was decreased by Ca 20% By Verapamil. Comparisons (t -tests) between animals pre-exposed and not pre-exposed (after 48 h and after 85 h) were significant at p < 0.05. The fact that verapamil decreased total calcium concentration in gills of S. cucullata may imply that calcium channels are present in this organ. The only significant effect was that of Cadmium concentration in the medium (p < 0.05) on Calcium content of gills. ANOVA, performed on Calcium concentrations after 85 h of Cd exposure, showed a significant effect of Cadmium on Calcium concentration in gills (p < 0.05). Results concerning gills after 48 h Cd exposure were demonstrated a decrease in Calcium concentration was observed at 150 µg Cd/l (referred to -VP) compared to controls (t-test significant at p < 0.01). No significant effect was noted when animals were pre-exposed with Verapamil (referred to as +VP).