EFFECTS OF PCB 126 AND CADMIUM ON THE ANAEROBIC METABOLISM OF THE MUSSEL MYTILUS-EDULIS-L

Exposure of mussels to PCB 126 and/or cadmium resulted in elevated ana erobic metabolic activity during 48 hr of aerial exposure. In mussels exposed to PCB 126 or cadmium this was achieved by an increased opine production. The largest increase was observed in PCB exposed mussels. In mussels that were exposed to PCB 126 and cadmium simultaneously the production of both succinate and opines had increased. Simultaneous e xposure to PCB 126 and cadmium had a more negative effect on the aeria l survival time than exposure to PCB 126 alone, whereas exposure to ca dmium alone did not have a significant effect on the tolerance to aeri al exposure.