Effects of sublethal exposure to lead on levels of energetic compounds in Procambarus clarkii (Girard, 1852)

The changes in energy reserves in the hepatopancreas and gills of the American red crayfish Procambarus clarkii were investigated in the presence of a sub-lethal 100 mg lead per litre. The organs were examined for total protein, lipids and glycogen after 12, 48 and 96 h. Calorific contents were calculated. The treatments had little effect on the gills. The protein, lipid, glycogen and calorific contents of the hepatopancreas were suppressed. The differences were probably due to the energy cost of counteracting the toxicant, although direct effects on metabolic pathways could not be eliminated.