Assessment of trace metal accumulation in native mussels (Brachidontes rodriguezii) from a South American temperate estuary

BUZZI, NATALIA SOL; OLIVA, ANA LAURA; ARIAS, ANDRÉS HUGO; MARCOVECCHIO, JORGE EDUARDO

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH

SPRINGER HEIDELBERG

Año: 2017

0944-1344

The present work provides the first results in heavymetal bioaccumulation in the autochthonous musselBrachidontes rodriguezii from the Bahía Blanca Estuary(Argentina), one of the most important coastal environmentsof South America, subjected to different anthropogenic pressure.The study is based on the detection of Cd, Cu, Pb, Mn,and Fe in mussels? soft tissue and sediments? fine fraction bymeans of inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy(ICP-OES), in order to analyze the potential relationshipbetween both components of the aquatic system.Additionally, different indices are calculated with the purposeof obtaining detailed data. The heavy metal burden in musselsvaried seasonally, showing a clearer pattern for the stationslocated in the internal area of the estuary. Metals exhibitedmaximum values in summer and to a lesser extent in winter,followed by a decrease during spring. Multiple internationalguideline assessment allowed classifying the area as moderatelypolluted, including a low range for Cd and medium forCu and Pb. Moreover, the average detected levels were withinthe measured ranges in other coastal areas. Regarding humanhealth, trace metal content in mussels met the national andinternational standards for safe consumption.