Cadmium uptake and distribution in sticklebacks related to the concentration and method of exposure.

The uptake of cadmium by sticklebacks and its distribution between the body tissues was compared following two methods of exposure, i.e., natural exposure to the heavy metal in water and direct intraperitoneal injection. In both cases, the greatest concentration of cadmium was detected in the liver. In naturally exposed fish high concentrations were also found in the gut and gills while in injected fish high levels were demonstrated in the gall bladder and kidney.