AN ASSESSMENT OF THE HEAVY METALS IN WILD MUSSELS MYTILUS GALLOPROVINCIALIS FROM THE MARMARA SEA COAST OF TEKIRDAG, TURKEY

Various concentrations of eight heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, As, Pb, and Zn) were identified in tissues of the mussels Mytilus galloprovincialis which are seasonally collected along the Marmara coast of Tekirdag. The concentrations (mg/kg d.w.) of these metals range from 1.20 to 2.79 for arsenic (As); 0.13 to 0.75 for cadmium (Cd); 0.42 to 2.46 for chromium (Cr); 1.55 to 3.5 for copper (Cu); 1.01 to 2.46 for nickel (Ni); 76.8 to 88.98 for zinc (Zn); and 2.67 to 9.2 for lead (Pb). These levels were lower than the permissible limits set by the European Commission and Food and Drug Organisation. The permissible limits for Pb, As, and Zn are exceeded during some periods. An evaluation of the public health risk associated with the consumption of mollusks indicates that there is no evidence of risk for the Mytilus Galloprovincialis consumer. However, given the chronic exposure of the mussels to trace metals, which can cause health problems for humans, the toxic chemicals must be periodically and carefully monitored.