Cadmium accumulation, distribution and metabolism in the gastropodLittorina littorea: the role of metal-binding proteins

Abstract

Cadmium, and its compounds, has been placed on the blacklists of most international pollution conventions by virtue of its toxicity, potential for bioaccumulation and persistence (Taylor, 1983).The ability of many marine molluscs, and in particular gastropods, to accumulate Cd to a high degree in apparently unregulated fashion has led to their frequent use in monitoring programmes. Thus Cd levels in the winkle,Littorina littorea(L.) closely reflect gradients in environmental contamination (Bryanet al. 1983), demonstrating the excellent ‘indicator’ properties of this group.