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Trophically available metal--a variable feast.

Philip S Rainbow1, Samuel N Luoma, Wen-Xiong Wang

  • 1Department of Zoology, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Rd, London SW7 5BD, United Kingdom. p.rainbow@nhm.ac.uk

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Summary

The trophically available metal (TAM) concept, describing metal bioavailability in prey, needs refinement. What is available varies significantly between prey, predators, and specific metals, requiring a flexible approach.

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Area of Science:

  • Environmental Chemistry
  • Ecotoxicology
  • Marine Biology

Background:

  • Trace metal assimilation by predators depends on the metal's form within prey.
  • The concept of Trophically Available Metal (TAM) was introduced to define this bioavailable fraction.
  • TAM was initially defined by specific subcellular fractions of accumulated metal.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To re-evaluate the definition and application of Trophically Available Metal (TAM).
  • To address the oversimplification and broad application of the original TAM definition in scientific literature.
  • To highlight the variability of metal bioavailability across different ecological contexts.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on trace metal assimilation and TAM.
  • Analysis of studies involving predator-prey interactions (decapod crustaceans and bivalve molluscs).
  • Examination of the relationship between metal physicochemical form and trophic transfer.

Main Results:

  • The original definition of TAM (soluble and organelle-associated metal) does not universally apply.
  • Trophic availability of metals is highly variable and context-dependent.
  • Factors influencing TAM include prey type, consumer species, and the specific metal.

Conclusions:

  • The original TAM definition should be considered a hypothesis, not a definitive measure.
  • A more nuanced understanding of metal bioavailability in food webs is required.
  • Future research should account for the specific interactions between metals, prey, and consumers.