Bioconcentration and localization of lead in the freshwater rotifer Brachionus calyciflorus Pallas 1677 (Rotifera: Monogononta)

► Studied fate and distribution of lead in the freshwater rotifer Brachionus calyciflorus. ► Found that after 24 h lead is deposited as granules located in mastax and vitellarium. ► The digestive system is the main route of lead uptake in the rotifer B. calyciflorus. ► Our energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis indicates decalcification process taking place in the cuticle of the rotifer after a 24-h lead exposure. ► We determined a BCF = 115 for lead after a 24 h exposure.