Concentrations of metals in Luidia clathrata and Luidia senegalensis (echinodermata: asteroidea) in tampa bay and the nearshore gulf of mexico, florida

1. The concentrations of zinc in the pyloric caeca and body wall were c. 10-fold greater than lead and nickel and c. 100-fold greater than cadmium and silver.

2. The concentration of metal in the pyloric caeca to that in the body wall was equal or significantly greater for cadmium, equal or significantly less for silver and zinc, and significantly less for lead and nickel.

3. The profiles of the metal concentrations in the organs were site specific, but the concentrations in the pyloric caeca and body wall were usually greater in the populations in the Bay than those in the Gulf of Mexico.

4. The concentrations of metals in the body wall were less in small than large L. clathrata, and in proximal than distal parts of the arms of L. senegalensis.