METAL CONCENTRATIONS IN EELS ANGUILLA-ANGUILLA FROM THE CAMARGUE REGION OF FRANCE

This study investigates concentrations of five metals, copper (Cu), ca dmium (Cd), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg) and zinc (Zn) in eel Anguilla angu illa liver tissue from the Camargue and Berre on the southern French c oast. 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 th e livers of eels from the Camargue than from Berre. Body size class wa s positively correlated with concentrations of lead at both sites, and with copper at Berre. Concentrations of Hg in eel livers in the Camar gue 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 th e Camargue, suggesting that other factors may be affecting the Berre p opulation. The higher metal concentrations found in eels from the Cama rgue suggest that further investigations should be undertaken as to th e source of this pollution, and on the processes of transfer and accum ulation at this important wetland site.