An Examination of Cd, Cu, and Hg Concentrations in Livers of Northern Pike, Esox lucius, and White Sucker, Catostomus commersoni, from Five Lakes near a Base Metal Smelter at Flin Flon, Manitoba

Concentrations of Cd, Cu, and Hg were examined in livers of northern pike (Esox lucius) and white sucker (Catostomus commersoni) from five lakes in the vicinity of, and receiving metal fallout from, a base metal smelter complex at Flin Flon, Manitoba. Concentrations of Cd in livers increased with increasing age in both species. Concentrations of Cu and Hg increased with age only in pike livers. The relationships of metal concentration to fish age were not consistent with the degree of contamination in lakes. Ca concentration of lake waters appeared to affect liver metal concentrations.Key words: Ca, Zn, Cu, Cd, Hg, white suckers, northern pike, bioaccumulation, smelter fallout.