Studies on the effects of dietary beryllium at two different calcium concentrations in Achatina fulica (Pulmonata)

The mortality was highest in snails fed beryllium in the diet containing the sub-optimal concentration of calcium. There was no increase in weight over an 8 week period. Snails fed the diet containing the optimal concentration of calcium without added beryllium showed maximum weight increase but calcium alone may not be responsible for elevated growth rate. Dietary calcium enhancement appears to be responsible for the reduced concentration of zinc, magnesium, phosphate and beryllium in the tissues. Beryllium treatment did not affect the calcium concentration in the digestive gland tissue but increased zinc and magnesium in the shell. The results are discussed in relation to uptake studies and possible enzyme systems involved.