Jan-Dag Pohlmann

1. Introduction Tidal estuaries are characterised by the interplay of inflowing saline marine water and freshwater efflux through river discharge, which shape the physical characteristics such as horizontal and vertical gradients in salinity, density, pressure or turbidity [1, 2]. Through these complex hydrodynamics, estuaries provide a diversity of habitats and, for instance, serve as feeding and overwintering, spawning and nursery grounds for a variety of species [3, 4].

Significance Body reorganization in eels during gametogenesis can induce undesired side effects with possible pathological significance. This study provides analytical evidence for the maternal transfer of toxic metals from soft and hard tissues to the ovaries of mature females.