Document Type
Thesis
Date of Award
5-31-1984
Degree Name
Master of Science in Environmental Engineering - (M.S.)
Department
Civil and Environmental Engineering
First Advisor
Shamshad Gilani
Second Advisor
Richard B. Trattner
Abstract
The following is a research report on the effects of heavy metals on the avian embryo. A total of eight metals were used in the study. The metalE included were : cobalt, copper, indium, iron, manganese, molybdenum, arsenic and cadmium. A total of 800 eggs were used for the study. Salts of each of the metal were dissolved in physiological saline and injected into the air sacs of white Leghorn chick eggs. Dose levels varied with the metal to be tested. Control eggs were injected with an equivalent volume of saline (0.1 ml per egg). The eggs were injected on day 2 of incubation. On day 14 the live embryos were removed from the eggs and examined for gross malformations. From the LD50s the toxicity relationship between the metals is cadmium > arsenic > cobalt > copper > indium > molybdenum > manganese > iron. The LD50s were 3.5, 9, 34, 58. 121, 333. 765 and 1200 ug per egg respectively. Abnormalities were especially marked for the first five. Abnormalities observed were reduced body size, hemorrhage, twisted limbs , micromelia, edema and everted viscera. Abnormalities such as short neck, twisted neck, abnormal beak and microphthelmia were less frequent.
Some of the metals produced distinct malformations. For example arsenic and indium produced a reduction in body size. Other metals produced teratogenic effects all over the body. Our study showed that the metals we tested were both toxic and teratogenic to varying degrees.
Recommended Citation
Alibhai, Yasmin, "The effects of heavy metals on the chick embryo development" (1984). Theses. 3351.
https://digitalcommons.njit.edu/theses/3351
