Heavy metals in two populations of North Atlantic fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus)

Concentrations of cadmium, copper and zinc have been analyzed in muscle, liver and kidney tissues of fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) from two locations in the North Atlantic, Iceland and Spain. The concentrations of zinc in the muscle and that of cadmium in the liver and the kidney were significantly higher in fin whales from Iceland. Other differences between whales from the two areas concern the dynamics of cadmium in the organism. These findings support the hypothesis that fin whales from the two sites belong to different stocks and that cadmium in the organism can be used as a complementary tool in studies of population identity.