Depuration effects on trace metals in Anomalocardia brasiliana (Gmelin, 1791)

Abstract

Bivalves have been regarded as suitable bioindicators of metal pollution in the marine and estuarine environments. However, the metal concentrations of the soft parts of individual bivalves can vary considerably depending on size variations, geographic and genetic differences, individual variability in metal uptake, ingestion of sediment particles and induction of metal-binding proteins. Metal-containing particulate matter in the gut can also be significant. These authors showed that if deputation is not carried out, then large variations in metal concentrations are more likely to occur. In the Todos os Santos Bay on the northeastern coast of Brazil, the cockle A. brasiliana is the most abundant bivalve and is well adapted to area conditions. An important source of food for many local communities, this species has been frequently used as an indicator for heavy metals pollution; however, no data have been published on metal concentrations of A. brasiliana of different size classes and on the effects of deputation on overall concentration. It is therefore important to determine the metal concentrations in A. brasiliana both from the point of view of how the concentrations relate to metal loading of the area. The effect of size upon metal concentration of shellfish has been examined bymore » Boyden, who found that zinc in Mytilus edulis was greater in smaller individuals while cadmium was independent of size. The objective of this study was to determine concentrations of copper, zinc, cadmium and lead in A. brasiliana collected from a site with a relatively low impact of heavy metal contamination, to examine metals in different size classes and to assess the effect of depuration on tissue concentration of the metals. These elements were selected due to their toxicity to marine organisms, when their excess as free metal may interact with cell structures and/or enzymes affecting metabolic activities. 22 refs., 2 figs., 2 tabs.« less