Trace Metals (As, Cd, Cu, Fe, and Zn) in Arctic cod, Boreogadus saida, and Selected Zooplankton from Strathcona Sound, Northern Baffin Island

Abstract

Arctic cod (Boreogadus saida) were captured by bottom trawl at depths of 120–300 m. Zooplankton were obtained by bottom to surface tows from the Arctic cod habitat. Average concentrations of arsenic (As) and zinc (Zn) were higher in Arctic cod fillets than in livers from the same fish; cadmium (Cd) and iron (Fe) concentrations were higher in livers. The difference between copper (Cu) concentrations in muscle and liver was not significant. As and Zn in whole fish, and As in fillets from seven specimens, were positively correlated to body weight. Cu and Fe in whole fish were negatively correlated to body weight, whereas Cd was not related to body weight. Examination of Arctic cod stomach contents indicated that planktonic copepods were important in the diet. Cd levels were 5–8 times higher in the unsorted copepods than in the Arctic cod, whereas As, Cu, Fe, and Zn were higher in the fish than in the copepods.