AbstractThe burrowing behavior of three polychaete species,Nereis virensSars,Glycera dibranchiata EhlersandNephtys caecaFabricius, was examined after variable exposure periods (7, 14, 21 and 28 d) to sediment contaminated with a cadmium concentration of about 40 mg kg−1(dry weight). Most comparisons of burrowing times and rates between exposed and unexposed worms were not statistically significant. Those that were significant were relatively minor, e.g., a maximum reduction in burrowing time of 6.3 s, and probably would have little ecological relevance. The feeding behavior ofG. dibranchiataon the polychaeteEuzonus mucronatawas not affected by a 28‐d exposure to cadmium‐contaminated sediment. Uptake of cadmium varied among the three species. After 28 d of exposure, cadmium body burdens were highest forN. virens(319mg kg−1), intermediate forG. dibranchiata(120 mg kg−1) and lowest forN. caeca(39 mg kg−1). This potential for bioaccumulation and survival in cadmium‐contaminated sediment indicates that some polychaete species likeN. virensmay be an amplified source of cadmium for their crustacean, fish and av
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