A combined measurement of metal bioaccumulation and condition indices in juvenile European flounder, Platichthys flesus, from European estuaries

Condition indices and metal bioaccumulation of early life stages of juvenile flounder (5–10 cm) were determined in three anthropogenic estuaries (the Scheldt, Seine and Loire) and compared to a reference site (the Canche). Significant correlations were found between metal concentrations in sediment and (i) fish liver for Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, V and Zn and (ii) fish gills for Cd and Mn. Metal accumulation in juvenile flounder from the three anthropogenic estuaries coincided with significantly lower Fulton’s K indices (from 0.99 ± 0.03 to 1.06 ± 0.01 mg mm