Abstract
Eelgrass ( Zostera marina L.), the marine mussel Mytilus edulis L. and sediment were collected at 158 sites in the Limfjord and at Læsø, Denmark, in order to provide detailed information about the heavy metal contamination and to compare sediment and organisms for the monitoring of heavy metals in coastal areas. Background levels and threshold values for the different metals in organisms and sediment were calculated. The heavy metal concentrations were significantly elevated in the western part of the Nissum Broad (Hg), in Venø Bay (Cd) and near the city of Aalborg (Hg, Pb, Cu, Zn). Significant positive correlations were obtained between concentrations of Hg, Pb, Cd and Zn in Zostera leaves, Zostera root-rhizomes, Mytilus and sediment. The copper concentrations in Mytilus did not correlate with those in Zostera and sediment, indicating that Mytilus cannot be used to monitor copper. The differences in distribution patterns for some of the metals in sediment and organisms are discussed in relation to the form of the metals and physiological and environmental factors. It is concluded that such factors should be carefully considered in the interpretation of collected heavy metal data.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call