Distribution of arsenic in marine animals: relationship to diet

The chemical form of arsenic in the muscle tissues of marine animals in relation to diet has been examined. Inorganic arsenic concentrations in all muscle tissues were found to be low compared to total arsenic concentrations and independent of diet. Arsenic was found to be present in all tissues predominantly as a methanol-water soluble form. The ratio of lipid soluble and unextractable arsenic to total arsenic was higher in plankton feeders than in herbivores and carnivores.