An overview of the impact of heavy metal accumulation on marine molluscs

Abstract

Seafood, particularly bivalves, is an excellent source of balanced food. However, due to the rising concentration of heavy metals in the aquatic environment, it can have a negative effect on public health. Heavy metals are common inorganic pollutants in the environment, and their presence poses a significant threat to human beings due to their toxic effect on the biotic system. Various biological and geochemical factors influence the uptake and bioaccumulation of these heavy metals in marine organisms. As a result of the contamination from industrial wastage and domestic discharges from urbanized areas, marine organisms, including molluscs, reflect the rising level of environmental pollution. This study aimed to gather information on environmental contamination in different aquatic organisms and molluscs. Despite their potential as bioindicators for heavy metal pollution in aquatic organisms, there needs to be more research on nutritional composition and bioaccumulation in molluscs.