The effects of some heavy metals at different stages of food chains are examined. The uptake of Zn or Cd by Australian white wheat, <i>Triticum aestivum</i>, was investigated and this wheat fed to the herbivore, <i>Schistocerca gregaris</i>. The organs of these insects were then examined for accumulation. Accumulation occurred in all organs examined but was higher in the epidermis and mid-gut. <i>Nasonia vitripennis</i> (Hymenoptera) was used as a carnivore. The effects of Zn, Cd, Cu and Hg on the longevity and survival of this insect were examined together with total accumulation at three different temperatures. Metals were more toxic at higher temperatures and the effects of different metals varied. The effects on the ultrastructure of flight muscles were examined, the main effect being a disruption of the mitochondria.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:637787 |
| Date | January 1987 |
| Creators | Khastoo, D. |
| Publisher | Swansea University |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
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