An Investigation on the Heavy Metal Contamination in the Edible Mussels distributed in Kochi Backwaters
Prabitha PP1*, Daisy Joseph3 and Moncey Vincent2
Published: October 17, 2022
Abstract
Bivalves are known for bioaccumulation of environmental contaminants and hence they can be used as good bioindicators of heavy metal contamination in coastal areas. This ability is due to their sessile lifestyle, resistance to high accumulation of chemicals and ease of sampling. Kochi is a coastal area in the south west of Kerala. Kochi backwaters are part of the Vembanad lake which support a large production of bivalves. The samples for the study were collected from five different locations which are part of Kochi backwaters. Villorita cyprinoides (black clam) and Mytella strigata (an invasive mussel) are the two species used for the study. The analysis of Heavy metals was done with the help of EDXRF spectroscopy and was carried out in BARC. The study revealed the presence of four heavy metals (As, Pb, Zn, Cd) in both M. strigata and V. cyprinoides. The concentration of heavy metals is more prominent in M. strigata than V. cyprinoides. The results of this study enabled to conclude that both V. cyprinoides and M. strigata possess the ability for bioaccumulation of heavy metals from the surrounding. It is found that the heavy metal concentrations are above the safe limits which indicate that bivalves from the Kochi backwaters are not safe and suitable for consumption. Prolonged exposure may result in health issues in humans.
Keywords: Mytella strigata; Villorita cyprinoides; Parts Per Million (ppm); Handheld x-ray spectrophotopmeter