Uptake of zinc,lead and cadmium by young whiting in the Severn Estuary

First year whitings, winter residents of the Severn Estuary, had highest levels of zinc in November 1975 but maximum concentrations of lead and cadmium in March 1976. These metal levels are linearly related to both the length and weight of the fish. It is suggested that zinc concentrations reach an upper threshold limit beyond which there is no further accumulation. This is quickly reached as fish move into polluted areas.