Kinetic models are used to link metal exposure to metal contamination in aquatic organisms and enable also the prediction of metal bioaccumulation. Kinetic models are characterised by kinetic parameters (uptake and elimination rate constants) which can be determined in controlled conditions. “Global” kinetic parameters for Cd, Pb and Ni have been established in five naïve populations of gammarids. Gammarids can, however, live in rivers exhibiting metal contamination to which organisms may adapt physiologically. Adaptation can result in the modulation of bioaccumulation abilities i.e. kinetic parameters. This may limit the environmental relevance of kinetic models and the reliability of bioaccumulation predictions. The aim of thsi study was to assess the bioaccumulation abilities of metals in gammarids chronically exposed to metals in situ by (i) determining the kinetic parameters describing Cd, Pb and Ni bioaccumulation in populations of gammarids chronically exposed to metals in situ, (ii) comparing the kinetic parameters with “global” kinetic parameters already determined in five naïve populations of gammarids.