Comparative metal analyses in amphipod crustaceans

Concentrations of Cu, Zn, Fe and Pb have been measured in amphipods (Crustacea:Amphipoda) from marine, littoral, semi-terrestrial and freshwater habitats in S. W Scotland, including amphipods expected to have high body metal loads. Metal concentrations (y) were affected greatly by body size (x) and could be modelled by the power function (y = a x ^b ), with the smallest amphipods containing the highest concentrations. This finding cautions against the uncritical use of mean metal concentrations in assessments of heavy metal contamination using crustacean monitors. Data were transformed logarithmically for comparison by regression analysis, analysis of variance and analysis of covariance which compensated for the size effect. Essential metal concentrations are compared against theoretical estimates of metabolic requirements. The effects of seasonal changes and the presence of gut contents on metal concentrations have also been considered.