V. Barus et al., Accumulation of heavy metals in the Ligula intestinalis plerocercoids (Pseudophyllidea) of different age, HELMINTHOL, 38(1), 2001, pp. 29-33
The heavy metal (Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni) concentrations were evaluated in two age g
roups (0+ and 1+; 2+ and older) of Ligula intestinalis plerocercoids from t
he body cavity of two fish intermediate hosts (bream, Abramis brama; roach,
Rutilus rutilus).
Statistically highly significant lower concentrations of Pb, Cd and Cr were
found in young plerocercoids as compared with older specimens. By contrast
, concentrations of Ni were higher in younger plerocercoids. The accumulati
on and increase of Pb, Cd and Cr concentrations in pseudophyllidean tapewor
m plerocercoids is considered to be a gradual and long-term process, occurr
ing probably during the whole growing phase of these parasites in the inter
mediate host. Environmental influences of heavy metal accumulation are disc
ussed.