Heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cu and Cr) accumulation on different shell size of Polymesoda sp from Estuary Waters of Parepare Bay

Abstract

This study revealed the differences in the concentration of heavy metals Pb, Cd Cu, and Cr accumulated in a different-sized group of Polymesoda sp shells originating from the waters of Parepare City. Shellfish were divided into three size groups, namely Small (23-41 mm); medium (42-59 mm), and large (59-77 mm). Heavy metal concentrations in shell, water and sediment samples were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometers (AAS). The results showed that the concentration of heavy metals in waters and sediments had the same pattern, Cu> Pb> Cd> Cr. Heavy metals, Pb and Cu, had the highest accumulation in the large-sized shells, while Cd was in the medium-sized shells. Cr, however, showed the lowest accumulation in all size groups. This situation shows that Polymesoda sp shells originating from the waters of Parepare Bay are still suitable for consumption.