KWRRI Research Reports
Abstract
Avian, amphibian and fish embryos were given continuous treatment with inorganic mercury, methyl mercury, cadmium and lead, to determine the sensitivity of embryogenesis to metallic poisoning. All metals produced substantial degrees of lethality and/or gross anatomical anomalies at 10 ppb or less. Treatment with inorganic mercury at 10 ppb produced 100% kill of frog embryos. Chick and rainbow trout embryos suffered 10-20% lethality when exposed to 1 ppb of either inorganic or methyl mercury. Lead and cadmium at 1 ppb produced 24-32% lethality in chick embryos. No significant differences were observed in the embryopathic effects of inorganic or methyl mercury.
Concerning the toxic effects of mercury, cadmium and lead, the "embryonic stage" appears to constitute the critical "sensitive link" in the vertebrate life cycle. The reproductive potential of vertebrate populations may be severely restricted (e.g., embryonic mortality) by such pollutants at trace levels which may not prove hazardous to adult animals, and environmental standards based on tolerance levels for adult animals may not provide adequate protection for sensitive developmental stages.
Publication Date
1974
Report Number
71
Repository Citation
Birge, Wesley J.; Just, John J.; Westerman, Albert G.; and Rose, A. Duane, "Sensitivity of Vertebrate Embryos to Heavy Metals as a Criterion of Water Quality, Phase I" (1974). KWRRI Research Reports. 208.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/kwrri_reports/208
Notes/Citation Information
Project number: B-028-KY
Agreement number: 14-31-0001-3890 (FY 1973)
Period of project: July 1972-June, 1973