Abstract
The bivalve molluscs represent an important matrix to be studied for several reasons. Their nutritional properties make them valuable to the consumers, so that their consumption and commercial value has risen worldwide. Simultaneously, their significant water-filtering capability and their persistence in the same place make them good bio-indicators of marine ecosystems. The presence of the heavy metal contaminants, as Cd, Pb and Hg, was investigated in bivalve molluscs such as mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis), clams (Venus gallina) and oysters (Ostrea edulis). In the present study, a survey was carried out on 334 samples addressed to the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale - Puglia e Basilicata, Foggia (ITALY) between 2009-2011, and collected by official authorities along the coasts of Apulia Region. The conformity of heavy metal content in bivalve molluscs was verified, in according to EC Reg. 1881/2006. The compliance was found for the total amount of samples. The obtained data on heavy metals concentration in bivalve molluscs were compared with data found in monitoring studies on the incidence of heavy metals in 1981 in North-Western Mediterranean Sea, in 2003 in Tyrrhenian Sea and in 2010 in Pacific Ocean (Chile), reported in literature. The information obtained from this work offer an essential database, not only for the authorities involved in food control, but also for the official institutions responsible of a constant control of the marine ecosystem pollution.
Highlights
The bivalve molluscs are the second class of molluscs by number of species
A widespread occurrence of heavy metals contamination was observed, the totality of the samples examined during the 3 years is within the limits stated in the EC Reg. 1881/2006 (1,0 mg/kg for Cd, 1.5 mg/kg for Pb and 0.50 mg/kg for Hg), underlining the fair degree of safety for the consumers health protection
On the basis of the described bio-indicator property, it is possible to derive some interesting conclusions about the contamination level in the Apulian coasts and its temporarily evolution
Summary
The bivalve molluscs are the second class of molluscs by number of species (about 30.000) This class includes mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis), clams (Venus gallina), oysters (Ostrea edulis) and other edible species. The average annual consumption of bivalve molluscs, in Italy, is 12% of the total annual consumption of fresh fish, and in the Apulia Region the consumption of mussels, clams and oysters was 21.691, 236, 956 (in tons), respectively. For these reasons, these food products are involved in the main sanitary control plans of the Italian health system. The content of the main inorganic contaminants, as Cd, Pb and Hg has been regulated by European Union (EC Reg. 1881/2006)
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