Accumulation of trace metals in freshwater macroinvertebrates across metal contamination gradients

Historical mining activities cause widespread, long-term trace metal contamination of freshwater ecosystems. However, measuring bioavailability has proven difficult, because it depends on many factors, not least concentrations in water, sediment and habitat. Simple tools are needed to assess bioavailabilities. The use biomonitors been widely advocated provide a realistic measure. To date there have few attempts identify ubiquitous patterns accumulation within between at geographical scales relevant contamination. Here we address this through nationwide collection (species Gammarus, Leuctra, Baetis, Rhyacophila, Hydropsyche ) from 99 English Welsh stream sites spanning gradient high low loading. study tested for inter-biomonitor variation body burden, congruence amongst accumulations metals taxa across the gradient. In general, significant differences burden occurred taxa: Gammarus sp. was most different compared with insect biomonitors. Bivariate relationships reflected profiles environment. Strong correlations some suggested also influenced by physiological pathways. burdens As, Cu, Mn Pb were highly consistent. Our data show that irrespective taxonomic or ecological differences, is commonality response taxa, indicating one more could consistent measures bioavailability. • Quantification contaminant gradients. Trace differs especially . Many associations due geology. Accumulations Insect had Aquatic corresponding