Bioaccumulation pattern of trace metals in commercially important crustaceans in Indian Sundarbans

Abstract

We measured the concentrations of Pb and Cd, in muscle tissue of 3 commercially important crustacean species (Penaeus monodon, Fenneropenaeus indicus and Metapenaeus brevicornis) collected from the UNESCO declared world heritage site Indian Sundarbans. The Indian Sundarbans estuarine system is recognized as one of the most diversified and productive ecosystems in the world located at the confluence of Hooghly-Matla estuarine complex. Due to negative pressures like intense industrialization, urbanization and increase of anthropogenic activities in recent era, this ecosystem is getting contaminated with toxic heavy metals which vary with seasons. Significant variation of heavy metals in muscle tissue of 3 commercially important crustaceans collected from four different sampling stations (2 in central and 2 in western sector) of Indian Sundarbans were observed. Inductively coupled plasma -mass spectrometer was used to study the level of metals in tissues of selected species. The concentration of trace metals accumulated in all the muscle tissues of selected species followed the order Pb> Cd. The distribution of metals exhibited significant spatial variation and followed the order station 1 >station 2 > station 3 > station 4, which may be due to variable degree of contamination in different location (p < 0.01) indicating the adverse impact of industrialization and urbanization on the edible crustaceans community. When compared with the recommended value of World health Organization (WHO, 1989) in context to consumption of seafood, metal concentration in all the crustaceans showed higher value, the only exception was Sajnekhali (Station 4) for Metapenaeus brevicornis.