First records of metal concentrations in the Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) from a Southwest Atlantic estuary

BOTTÉ, SANDRA E.; LABUDÍA, ANA C.; LA COLLA, NOELIA S.; DOS SANTOS, EDER P.; FIORI, SANDRA M.

ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH

SPRINGER

Lugar: Berlin; Año: 2019 vol. 41 p. 1321 - 1338

0269-4042

The Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) is one of the world´s most widespread bivalves and a suitable species for biomonitoring metals in coastal environments. In the present research wild individuals were collected from an Argentinian estuary and the coastal beaches nearby. The concentrations of eight metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) in the soft tissues of the Pacific oyster were quantified. Among the metals, Cu, Fe and Zn reached the highest concentrations in the soft tissues over the rest of the elements. The results showed the highest values to be estuary related, with the beach site achieving the lowest values. These results possibly lie on the impact of human activities surrounding the estuary, as well as streams and rivers that outflow within it. Higher Cu and Zn levels, both port-related, were mainly found towards the outer estuary. On the other hand, high levels of Cr, Fe and Mn were found towards the inner zone of the estuary, an area with sewage sludge from the cities located on the margins of the BBE. Regarding the potential risk to public health, Cu and Zn levels found in C. gigas were above national and international safety guidelines in 100% and 11% of the samples, respectively.