The variation in potential lead ion (Pb +2) concentration in various tissue samples of Oncorhynchus Mykiss (steelhead) trout caught in the Niagara River was investigated. This was used to develop a kinetic model of trace element bioaccumulation of lead in various tissues. By employing experimentally determined trace element influx and efflux from environmental food and water exposures, lead ion concentrations were determined using atomic absorption spectroscopy on homogenized fillet, liver, and gonad tissues collected from steelhead trout caught in the Niagara River. Lead ion concentrations were also determined from water samples collected at a GPS noted catch site. All sample testing was conducted under the direction of Dr. David Stewart, Ph.D. at D’Youville College
Results from the study may be used to predict the level of lead ion exposure to humans through the consumption of the steelhead trout fillets and may be used predict the environmental conditions of lead accumulation in human food sources caught in local waters, such as Lake Erie, the Niagara River, and Lake Ontario. Lead measurements may suggest (a) accumulation of lead concentration in steelhead trout fillet tissue consumed by humans, and (b) processes of influx and efflux governing bioaccumulation in these animals in their natural environment, such as accumulation in the fish from ingested particles, or accumulation mostly through the food web, or that the relative accumulation varies with environmental conditions
