Accumulation of cadmium in the otoliths and tissues of juvenile pink snapper (Pagrus auratus Forster) following dietary and waterborne exposure.

Laboratory experiments were conducted to examine if incorporation of Cd into the otoliths of juvenile pink snapper (Pagrus auratus Forster) was related to levels in the food or water. In the first experiment, fish were fed a regular diet (control group) or a Cd-contaminated diet (500mgCdkg(-1) or 1500mgCdkg(-1)) for 35days. In the second experiment, fish were exposed to waterborne Cd concentrations of <0.002microgL(-1) (control), 50microgL(-1), 100microgL(-1) and 150microgL(-1) for 35days. The sagittal otoliths were analysed using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). Juvenile fish exposed to higher concentrations of waterborne or dietary Cd showed increased Cd levels in their otoliths. This study clearly demonstrated that both aqueous and dietary Cd exposures can result in Cd incorporation into the otoliths of pink snapper.