Abstract
Lead, mercury, cadmium, chromium and manganese concentrations were measured in the eggs of horseshoe crabs (Limulus polyphemus) from 1993, 1994 and 1995; and from chelicera muscle in 1995 from Delaware Bay. Metal concentrations in the eggs represent levels derived from females. In eggs, mercury levels were below 100 ppb or were non-dectable; cadmium levels were generally low in 1993 and 1995 but were relatively higher in 1994; lead levels in eggs decreased from 558 ppb in 1993 to 87 ppm in 1995; selenium increased from 1993 to 1995; chromium decreased from 1993 to 1995; and manganese generally decreased. Leg muscles had significantly lower levels of all metals than eggs, except for mercury.
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Burger, J. Heavy Metals in the Eggs and Muscle of Horseshoe Crabs (Limulus Polyphemus) from Delaware Bay. Environ Monit Assess 46, 279–287 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1005718419708
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1005718419708