Cadmium inhibits GABA-activated ion currents by increasing intracellular calcium level in snail neurons.

Blocking of the GABA-activated chloride current by cadmium was investigated in identified nerve cells (RPeD1, RPaD1) of the pond snail (Lymnaea stagnalis L.), using a two-microelectrode voltage-clamp technique. Cd2+, at 50 microM extracellular concentration, inhibited GABA-activated chloride currents, both in normal and Ca2+-free solution.

Molluscs in biological monitoring of water quality.

Molluscs living in Lake Balaton accumulate persistent toxic substances, namely heavy metals, to a greater extent, than other organisms, and can serve as excellent passive biomonitors. Especially gills are good accumulators. Regular sampling showed that the level of Cd and Hg concentrations increased, while Pb contamination decreased during the past 20 years in mussels, corresponding probably to changes in pollution of the Lake.

Age- and size-specific patterns of heavy metals in the organs of freshwater fish Abramis brama L. populating a low-contaminated site.

Concentrations of cadmium, copper, mercury, lead and zinc were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry in the muscle, gill and liver of bream Abramis brama L. to study the relationship between the heavy metal load of fish and their age and size, and the seasonal variation of pollutant loads. Fish were collected from the Western basin of Lake Balaton (Hungary) in October 1999 and May 2000.

Effect of sub-lethal concentrations of aluminium on the filtration activity of the freshwater mussel Anodonta cygnea L. at neutral pH.

Significant amounts of aluminium (Al) are commonly present in rivers and lakes, largely in particulate form in neutral waters. Freshwater bivalves, as filter feeders are therefore exposed to both particulate and dissolved metal and are potentially vulnerable to Al. The effect of Al on filtering behaviour of the freshwater mussel Anodonta cygnea L.

Relation between growth and the heavy metal concentration in organs of bream Abramis brama L. populating Lake Balaton.

The effect of growth and physical condition on the level of heavy metals accumulated in the organs of common bream (Abramis brama L.) populating Lake Balaton was investigated on samples collected in October 1999 and May 2000 from two well-separable sites regarding their trophic state and pollution impact (western and eastern basins). The average metal concentrations in the organs of fish varied in the following ranges: Cd, 0.