Metal concentrations in eels Anguilla anguilla from the Camargue region of France

This study investigates concentrations of five metals, copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg) and zinc (Zn) in eel Anguilla anguilla liver tissue from the Camargue and Berre on the southern French coast. Large numbers of wintering birds feed in these important wetland sites, and eels are important food items for heron and egret species. Both sitesreceive metal inputs from riverine (Rhone and Durance) and atmospheric sources, in addition to petrochemicalrelated pollution at Berre. Concentrations of Cd, Zn and Cu were significantly higher in the livers of eels from the Camargue than from Berre. Body size class was positively correlated with concentrations of lead at both sites, and with copper at Berre. Concentrations of Hg in eel livers in the Camargue and at Berre were consistent with levels reported for contaminated areas (geometric means: 1:3 and 1:2 mu g/g dry weight respectively). Eels from Berre had an elevated liver weight relative to those from the Camargue, suggesting that other factors may be affecting the Berre population. The higher metal concentrations found in eels from the Camargue suggest that further investigations should be undertaken as to the source of this pollution, and on the processes of transfer and accumulation at this important wetland site.