The Absorption and Metabolism of Arsenic in Fish

Abstract

The absorption and metabolism of inorganic arsenic in rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) has been investigated by means of radioactive tracers. The results obtained show that the fish will absorb inorganic arsenic when this is mixed into the feed, and synthesise both lipid soluble and water soluble arseno organic compounds. The absorption of inorganic arsenic seems to depend upon the quantity of arsenic present in the fish. The absorption of inorganic arsenic decreases as the concentration of arsenic in the fish increases. When radioactive arsenic (As-74) is added to the water, absorption seems to take place through the skin and gills. This absorption, as far as can be determined by the methods used in this investigation, does not result in the formation of arseno organic compounds. When As-74 is mixed in the feed and thus absorbed through the digestive track, autoradiographic investigations indicate that arseno organic compounds are synthesised and accumulated in the eyes, the throat and gills and certain of the internal organs.