Baseline trace metals in bivalve molluscs from the Beagle Channel, Patagonia (Argentina)

Abstract

In order to test the aptitude of individuals of Mytilus chilensis as biomonitors of heavy metals pollution in seawater, several samples of this mollusk together with surrounding seawater samples were collected along 170 km of the coastal area of the Beagle Channel (Tierra del Fuego, Argentina) in 2005 and 2007. The study, performed in seven locations strategically selected, involved the determination of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn in seawaters and mollusks by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) and the calculation of the respective concentration factors (CFs). Obtained data were standardized and analyzed by multivariate techniques in order to establish differences between sampling sites and periods. Obtained results will be shown and the bioaccumulation ability of M. chilensis will be evaluated by comparison with results obtained for Mytilus species in different geographical marine areas. A fully discussion on the possibility of employing the results as background levels for comparative purposes in other marine waters of the world will be provided. The possible harm derived from human consumption of these mollusks will be also assessed.

Baseline trace metals in gastropod mollusks from the Beagle Channel, Tierra del Fuego (Patagonia, Argentina)

“…The main urban settlement in Tierra del Fuego is the city of Ushuaia that is the southernmost city of the world with ca. 60,000 inhabitants (Conti et al 2011). Ushuaia is the most important port for the Antartic tourism and maritime traffic.…”

“…Tierra del Fuego has a unique ecosystem and it is characterized by a wide range of wildlife and biodiversity (Conti et al 2009, 2012. Except for the case of Ushuaia Harbour, the six remaining sampling sites were carefully selected as examples of supposedly unpolluted areas along the Beagle Channel (Conti et al 2011). …”

“…Both campaigns respected the same geographical locations. Figure 1 shows the seven selected stations situated along 170 km of the Beagle Channel (Conti et al 2011). Individuals of N.(P)magellanica (n = 175) were collected in the tidal zone at the same depth and distance from the shoreline in 2005 (n = 105) and 2007 (n = 70) sampling campaigns.…”

“…Instrumental parameters and graphite furnace programs were those provided by the manufacturer (Conti et al 2011). Traceability of results was obtained from the analysis of the certified reference material Antarctic krill MURST-ISS-A2 (Italian Research Program in Antarctica).…”

“…This study follows the first one conducted in the same area by using the bivalve Mytilus chilensis (Conti et al 2011) as biomonitor for baseline trace metals in the Beagle Channel. In this case, we present the results obtained for the determination of the metals listed above in samples of muscle and viscera of Nacella (P)magellanica collected in the same locations during 2005 and 2007.…”