Relative importance of food and water pathways in the bio-accumulation of zinc

The relative importance of the food versus water pathway as a source of radionuclides to aquatic organisms is studied through laboratory experiments allowing groups of animals to accumulate 65Zn from the two pathways simultaneously in the same simulated ecosystem. Mean whole body concentration factors of 65Zn and stable zinc in shrimp, crab, fish and mussels are recorded. In shrimp and fish accumulation of 65Zn through the food pathway is reported more than the water pathway though fluctuations in food quality and feeding rates could alter zinc absorption kinetics