Subcellular localization of polluting metals in roadside earthworms exposed to traffic exhaust gases.

The aim was to make a subcellular localization of metals in tissue from lumbricid earthworms exposed to environmental pollution. Scanning transmission electron microscopy in combination with energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis of tissue fixed in glutaraldehyde only, and with no electron staining, was used. Zinc was registered in the metachromatic mucous granules of the epidermal cells, and zinc, iron and lead in the chloragosomes of the chloragocytes suggesting that metal may be excreted together with the slime or stored in chloragosomes. Relatively few metal nuclear inclusions were encountered probably due to the fact that some metal leaks out during the preparation process. A comparison is made with a chemical analysis of cellular fractions (Talberg, 1977).