Heavy metal concentrations in,and human health risk assessment of,three commercially valuable fish species in the lower Niger River,Nigeria

The concentrations of Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and V in water, sediment and the gill, liver and muscle tissues of Synodontis resupinatus, Heterotis niloticus and Clarias gariepinus, all commercially important fish species of the lower Niger River, were investigated in 2015. Water, sediment and fish samples were collected for six months and heavy metals were determined using an Atomic Absorption Spectrometer. Fe ranked highest in water and sediment, with concentrations of 2.74 mg l^?1 and 61.60 mg kg^?1, respectively. Metals followed the magnitude of Fe > Mn > Ni > V > Pb in the water and Fe > Mn > V > Ni > Pb in the sediments. Metal concentrations were higher in the tissues of S. resupinatus compared with H. niloticus and C. gariepinus. Fe was also highest in the gills, liver and muscle of the three fish species. Its highest concentration of 132.97 mg kg^?1 dry weight was recorded in the gills of S. resupinatus. Bioconcentration factors of metals ranged from 8.79 for Mn in H. niloticus muscle to 67.99 for Ni in S. resupinatus gills. The fish species studied pose no health risk for all metals studied, because the target hazard quotient was less than 1 and the estimated daily intakes of the metals were below the reference doses.     

Seasonal accumulation of metals by red alga Gracilaria verrucosa (Huds.) Papens. from Thermaikos Gulf, Greece

Concentrations of Fe, Pb, Cu, Zn and Cd were determined during one season in the red alga Gracilaria verrucosa, sediment and seawater from the Thermaikos Gulf, Greece. This region has been subject to change due to increases in industrial and domestic activities. The relative abundance of metals in G. verrucosa and seawater decreased in the order: Fe>Zn>Pb>Cu>Cd and in the sediment: Pb>Fe>Zn>Cu>Cd. Cadmium concentration in the alga correlated positively with that in seawater. There was positive correlation between Fe concentrations in the alga and those of the Zn and Cu. The concentrations of metals in the alga showed no significant differences between the stations. Lead, Zn and Cu concentrations in the alga were slightly higher at Biamyl, whereas Cd was higher at Perea and Fe at Nea Krini. Seasonal variation of metal concentrations in the alga was significant for Cd and Fe. Copper and Fe increased from winter to summer, whereas Cd was the opposite. Zinc concentrations were minimum and Pb concentrations were maximum during spring. These variations are discussed in relation to tissue age, life cycle, ambient concentrations of metals and other environmental conditions. Cd and Pb concentrations inG. verrucosa in the Thermaikos Gulf were higher and those of Cu and Zn were lower than in other species of the genus. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Heavy metal accumulation in aquatic animals around the gold mine area of Loei province,Thailand

This research was conducted to assess the water quality and the contamination of heavy metals in water, sediment, fish, and frogs, as well as bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) in fish and frogs around the gold mine area. The water samples were analyzed for water quality (temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen). The samples were analyzed for heavy metals by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. The water quality was within the standard. The concentrations of heavy metals, including As, Cr, Cd, Pb, Ni, Zn, Fe, Mn, and Cu, in water and sediment samples were measured. Three species of fish were collected: Rasbora tornieri, Brachydanio albolineata, and Systomus rubripinnis. The mean heavy metal concentrations of fish were as follows: Fe>Zn>Mn>Cr>Ni>Cu>As>Pb>Cd. The As, Cr, and Pb concentrations in all the fish species exceeded the standard levels. Five species of frogs were collected: Kaloula pulchra, Microhyla heymonsi, Fejervarya limnocharis, Hoplobatrachus rugulosus, and Microhyla pulchra. The mean heavy metal concentrations of frog were as follows: Fe>Cu>Mn>Zn>Cr>Ni>Pb>Cd>As. The Cr, Cd, and Cu concentrations exceeded the standard levels. The BAFs in fish were in order of Cr>Zn>Ni>Cu>Pb>Fe>Cd>As. The BAFs in frogs were Cr>Zn>Ni>Cu>Fe>Pb>Cd>As. The accumulation of heavy metals was higher in the sediment than in the water. Many aquatic organisms take up heavy metals directly from the environment around the gold mine.     

Assessment of potential ecological disruption based on heavy metal toxicity, accumulation and distribution in media of the Lagos Lagoon

Toxicity evaluations of heavy metals against three benthic animals, Tympanotonus fuscatus, Clibanarius africanus and Sesarma huzardi of the Lagos Lagoon were carried out under laboratory conditions. On the basis of the 96hLC₅₀ values, Cd was found to be the most toxic metal tested followed by Cu, Zn and Pb, in a descending order of toxicity against T. fuscatus and S. huzardi; however, against C. africanus, Cu was the most toxic followed by Cd, Zn and Pb (least toxic). The determination of the metal concentrations in the water column and sediment of the Lagos Lagoon revealed that these media of the lagoon contained measurable concentrations of heavy metals but the levels were still several folds lower than the concentrations that will cause 50% mortality of exposed animals under laboratory conditions. The significance of the observed differences between the 96hLC₅₀ values of the test metals, the concentration of heavy metals detected in tissues of field animals and ambient levels of the metals in the Lagos lagoon were discussed in relation to the protection of aquatic lives and potential public health risks. The need to verify the possibilities of synergistic interactions between the constituent metals when acting jointly against the exposed animals was recommended.     

Distribution of endosulfan in water, sediment and fish from Warri river, Niger delta, Nigeria

This article presents the first attempt to quantify the levels and distribution pattern of endosulfan, an organochlorine pesticide in surface water, sediment and fish ( Chrysichthys furcatus and Tilapia zilli ). The samples were collected from three stations (Ovwian, Ekakpamre and Ovu) of Warri River in the western Niger Delta of Nigeria in 2006 during the dry and wet seasons (January–August). A total of 96 samples made up of 24 samples each for water, sediment and fish were analysed in this study. The pesticide levels were analysed using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC model CECIL 1010) to elucidate its distribution in various environmental compartments. The ranges of concentrations of the pesticide in the matrices were: 0.01–9.23 μg/l (water), 0.06–11.98 μg/gdw (sediment), 0.01–15.06 μg/gdw ( Chrysichthys furcatus) and 0.01–1.80 μg/gdw ( Tilapia zilli ). From this result, decreasing order of occurrence of the pesticide is as follows: fish > sediment > water. The concentrations observed in fish ( Chrysichthys furcatus ) were higher than the levels observed in sediment and water suggesting bioaccumulation of the pesticide by the fish. Spatial variations occurred with downstream stations having statistically higher concentrations in all matrices at P  < 0.05. Seasonal variations occurred with higher concentrations in dry season for water and sediment only, while the fish species had higher concentrations in the wet season. The observed values of endosulfan were above the ecological bench marks (0.02 μg/l) recommended by Nigeria Environmental Protection Agency and European Union. They were also relatively higher than those in previous studies on the Nigerian environment, an observation that calls for regular monitoring of the Niger Delta water bodies.     

Evaluation of trace metals in sediment,water, and fish (Mugil cephalus) of the central Black Sea coast of Turkey

In this study, concentrations of trace metals such as As, Cd, Cu, Cr, Fe, Pb, Ni, Sn, Se, and Zn were determined in sediments, water, and a kind of fish (Mugil cephalus) of the central Black Sea coasts by employing Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry and microwave digestion technique. Gill, muscle, liver, and other tissues were analyzed separately for each sample. The accuracy of the results were checked by using a certified reference material (DORM-4). In water samples, the metal determined at highest concentrations was Cu (1645.44 µg/L). In sediment samples, the metal determined at highest concentrations was Fe (12223.50 mg/kg). The levels of trace metals found in the different parts of the fish were: Zn in muscle tissue (30393.28 mg/kg), Sn in gill tissue (5140.08 mg/kg), and Cu in liver tissue (289.31 mg/kg). These results were also compared with various relevant guidelines and literature.     

Metal retention and distribution in the sediment of a constructed wetland for industrial wastewater treatment

A free water surface wetland was built in 2002 to treat wastewater from a tool factory containing metals (Cr, Ni, Zn and Fe), nutrients and organic matter. Until 2006, the last reported period, the wetland retained metals and stored them primarily in the bottom sediment and in the biomass of macrophytes secondarily. The aim of this work was to study metal retention and distribution in the sediment of a constructed wetland for industrial wastewater treatment. Total concentrations and fractions (exchangeable, carbonate-bound, Fe-Mn oxides-bound, organic matter-bound and residual) of metals in sediment were analyzed in this treatment wetland, in order to estimate the fate of metals over time. Metal concentrations were significantly higher in the inlet than in the outlet sediment; concentrations in the latter remained without significant differences throughout the testing period. Metal concentrations and redox potential decreased with depth within the sediment. The lowest metal concentrations and pH and the highest redox values were attained in spring, in agreement with the period of maximum macrophyte growth. Ni and Zn were mainly stored associated with the carbonate fraction; Cr was mainly associated with the Fe-Mn oxides fraction, while Fe was mainly associated with the residual fraction, probably as pyrite. The incoming wastewater composition containing high pH, carbonate, calcium and Fe concentrations favored the observed association in the surface sediment. It would be expected that sediment will continue retaining metals in fractions that will not release them into the water while the chemical and environmental conditions remain unchanged.     

Trace Element Level in Different Tissues of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Rutilus frisii kutum</Emphasis> Collected from Tajan River,Iran

Tajan River is among the most significant rivers of the Caspian Sea water basin. In this study, the concentration of Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Cd, and Zn were determined in brain, heart, liver, gill, bile, and muscle of Rutilus frisii kutum which has great economic value in the Mazandaran state. Trace element levels in fish samples were analyzed by means of atomic absorption spectrometry. Nearly all non-essential metals levels (Ni, Pb, Cd) detected in tissues were higher than limits for fish proposed by FAO/WHO, EU, and TFC. Generally, non-essential metals (Ni, Pb) were so much higher in muscle than the essential metals (Cu, Zn, and Mn) except Fe, which was higher than other metals in nearly all parts, except in gills. Fe distribution pattern in tissues was in order of heart > brain > liver > muscle > bile > gill. Distribution patterns of metal concentrations in the muscle of fish as a main edible part followed the sequence: Fe > Pb > Ni > Cu > Mn > Zn > Cd.     

HCl-Extractable Metal Profiles Correlate with Bacterial Population Shifts in Metal-Impacted Anoxic Coastal Sediment from the Wet/Dry Tropics

Metal impacted, anoxic sediments from five sites at a coastal location in the wet/dry tropics of Australia were sampled during both wet and dry seasons. Metal concentrations in total sediment and porewater, and in potentially bioavailable and bioaccessible fractions, were measured. Pyrosequencing was used to sequence bacterial DNA extracted from the sediment, and the sequence data was used to generate community profiles at each sample site. Changes in bacterial populations between sites reflected changes in the concentrations of 7 metals/metalloids (Al, V, Mo, Ga, Zn, Cd, As), and best correlated with the HCl-extractable fraction of metals. Bacterial community structure was also related to physicochemical factors, such as redox potential and organic carbon. Despite a strong sulphide gradient across the transect, acid-volatile sulphide was not significantly correlated to bacterial community structure. We conclude that the bioaccessible fraction of metals to bacteria is partly comprised of particulates, and porewater alone is not a sufficient model for potential metal impact.

[Supplementary materials are available for this article. Go to the publisher's online edition of Geomicrobiology Journal to view the two supplementary tables.]     

Trace metal concentrations in the tropical sponge Spheciospongia vagabunda at a sewage outfall: synchrotron X-ray imaging reveals the micron-scale distribution of accumulated metals

Major and trace elements were measured in sponges, seawater and sediment in Darwin Harbour (Australia) to test the hypothesis that metals are elevated in sponges closer to a sewage outfall compared with unimpacted sites. Seawater and sediment at the sewage discharge site contained high, but localised, concentrations of phosphorus (P), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As) and lead (Pb) compared with background sites. Metal concentrations in the sponge Spheciospongia vagabunda were highly elevated compared with other sponges and, although site specific, high metal concentrations were unrelated to the presence of sewage effluent. X-ray fluorescence microprobe imaging was used to investigate the metal distribution pattern in S. vagabunda. High Fe, Ni and Zn concentrations were either localised in circular patches (100–200 μm size) near water canals or in the pinacoderm, or scattered in spots (approximately 10 μm) throughout the tissue. This supports a microflora-mediated metal bioaccumulation hypothesis. In contrast, Co and Mn were highly dispersed and probably associated with aluminium- and iron-oxide rich sediment inclusions. Although the lack of association between sewage effluent and metal accumulation precludes the use of S. vagabunda as a biomonitor, the apparent differential mechanisms of metal accumulation warrants further investigation.     

Accumulation of metals in Anguilla anguilla from the Tagus estuary and relationship to environmental contamination

Accumulation of metals (Cd, Cu, Hg, Pb and Zn) in the liver and muscle of the European eel, (Anguilla Anguilla), the influence of sex and size on tissue contamination, and the potential use of this species as a pollution biomonitor in the Tagus estuary were investigated. A total of 90 eels were captured in spring 2007 from six sampling stations. Metal concentrations were higher in the liver, except for Hg, which showed higher levels in the muscle. No significant differences were found between sexes in contrast to what was obtained in the size classes (TL < 240 mm, 240 mm ≤ TL < 350 mm and TL ≥ 350 mm). No clear relationships could be established between concentrations of metals in sediment and tissues, mainly due to the general heterogeneity in environmental conditions among stations, which hinders the use of this species as a biomonitor for metals contamination in this estuary.     

Stress responses and metal tolerance of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Chlamydomonas acidophila</Emphasis> in metal-enriched lake water and artificial medium

Chlamydomonas acidophila faces high heavy-metal concentrations in acidic mining lakes, where it is a dominant phytoplankton species. To investigate the importance of metals to C. acidophila in these lakes, we examined the response of growth, photosynthesis, cell structure, heat-shock protein (Hsp) accumulation, and metal adsorption after incubation in metal-rich lake water and artificial growth medium enriched with metals (Fe, Zn). Incubation in both metal-rich lake water and medium caused large decreases in photosystem II function (though no differences among lakes), but no decrease in growth rate (except for medium + Fe). Concentrations of small Hsps were higher in algae incubated in metal-rich lake-water than in metal-enriched medium, whereas Hsp60 and Hsp70A were either less or equally expressed. Cellular Zn and Fe contents were lower, and metals adsorbed to the cell surface were higher, in lake-water-incubated algae than in medium-grown cells. The results indicate that high Zn or Fe levels are likely not the main or only contributor to the low primary production in mining lakes, and multiple adaptations of C. acidophila (e.g., high Hsp levels, decreased metal accumulation) increase its tolerance to metals and permit survival under such adverse environmental conditions. Supposedly, the main stress factor present in the lake water is an interaction between low P and high Fe concentrations.     

Heavy metals in water,sediments, fish and plants of river Hindon,U.P., India

We analysed the concentrations of Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn in the water, sediments, fish and plants of the River Hindon, U.P., India, at seven sampling stations, in the year 1982. Considerable variation in concentration between water, sediments, fish and plants were noted. The concentration in the water was in the order Fe > Zn > Cr > Mn > Cu > Pb > Ni > Co > Cd, in the sediments, Fe > Mn > Zn > Ni > Cr > - Co > Cu > Pb > Cd; in a fish (Heteropnuestes fossilis) Fe > Zn > Mn > Pb > Ni > Co > Cu > Cd > Cr, and in a plant (Eicchornia crassipes) Fe > Mn > Zn > Ni > Cu > Cr > Pb > Co > Cd.     

Source analysis and health risk of heavy metals in the different seasons from Taizihe River,China

Twenty five water samples were collected along the Taizihe River, the concentration and health risks of Zn, Cu, Pb, Cr and Cd were detected and evaluated, and the pollution sources was analyzed through principal components analyses. The results indicated that the order of average concentration of heavy metals was follows: Pb > Cr > Cu > Zn and Cd. Among that, the concentrations of Zn, Cu and Cr were at the permissible levels, but Pb and Cd exceeded grade V standard at some sites. The concentrations of Zn and Cu in the wet season were significant higher than that in the dry season (p < 0.05), but the average concentrations of Pb, Cr and Cd were not significantly different in the two seasons (p > 0.05). The annual average risks of human health caused by Cd and Cr were 10⁻³/a and 10⁻⁴/a, respectively, which were higher than the recommended maximum acceptable risk level. The human health risk values of Zn, Pb and Cu were all concentrated at 10⁻⁸/a or 10⁻⁹/a levels, which did not exceed the recommended standard. On the whole, Cd and Cr were the main health risk pollutants of Taizihe River. Pollution sources of Pb was different from other heavy metals in wet and dry season, Cd and Cr were similar in the wet and dry season. The mainly pollution source of heavy metals was industry, especially mining, metal smelting and electroplating industry.     

From water to edible fish. Transfer of metals and metalloids in the San Roque Reservoir (Córdoba,Argentina). Implications associated with fish consumption

The concentration of Mn, Fe, Zn, Cu, Cd, Cr, Ni, Ag, Mo, Nd, Al, Ce, As, Sr, Pb, Pt and Hg was analysed in water, sediments, and aquatic organisms from the San Roque Reservoir (Córdoba-Argentina), sampled during the wet and dry season, to evaluate their transfer through the food web. Stable nitrogen (δ¹⁵N) isotopes were used to investigate trophic interactions. According to this, samples were divided into three trophic groups: plankton, shrimp (Palaemonetes argentinus) and fish (Silverside, Odontesthes bonariensis). Liver and gills are the main heavy metal storage tissues in fish. Hg and As concentrations in the muscle of O. bonariensis exceed the Oral Reference doses for metals established by USEPA (2009). Trophic magnification factors (TMFs) for each element were determined from the slope of the regression between trace element concentrations and δ¹⁵N. Calculated TMFs showed fundamental differences in the trophodynamics of the studied elements during the wet and dry season in the San Roque Reservoir. Concentrations of Ni, Cd, Cr, Al, Mn, Fe, Mo, Ce, Nd, Pt and Pb during both seasons, and Sr during the dry season, showed statistically significant decreases (TMF < 1) with increasing trophic levels. Thus these elements were trophically diluted in the San Roque food chain. Conversely, Cu, Ag and As (dry season) showed no significant relationships with trophic levels. Among the elements studied, Hg in the wet season, and Zn in the dry season were the only ones showing a statistically significant increase (TMF > 1) in concentration with trophic level. Current results trigger the need for further studies to establish differential behaviour with different species within the aquatic web, particularly when evaluating the transfer of toxic elements to edible organisms, which could pose health risks to humans.     

Freshwater amphipods as biomonitors of metal pollution in surface and interstitial aquatic systems

1. The relationships between levels of metals (Zn, Cu) in the environment (water, sediment) and in the tissues of three species of amphipod crustaceans were investigated in superficial and interstitial ecosystems of the Rivers Rhone and Ain, France. 2. Epigean and hypogean amphipods differed in their ability to accumulate Zn and Cu. At all sites, Gammarus fossarum (epigean) showed lower Zn or Cu body concentrations than Niphargus of, rhenorhodanensis or Niphargopsis casparyi (hypogean). Differences were also observed between the two interstitial taxa. 3. A significant difference among sites was observed for metal concentrations in sediment. In contrast, no significant inter-site differences were found for metal concentrations in organisms. 4. No significant correlation was found between metal concentrations in the three taxa and quantities of metals in the water. A positive correlation was observed between Zn and Cu body content in Gammarus fossarum and metal level in the sediment. No relationships were found between interstitial amphipods and metal concentrations in the sediment. 5. Differences in accumulation rates among the three amphipod species suggest their potential use as biological indicators for monitoring metal pollution.     

The exposure level of heavy metals at four different locations near Gan-Ning-Meng reaches of the Yellow River,China

Hair, water, and sediment samples (n = 69, 27, and 24, respectively) were collected at four locations (P1–P4) along the Yellow River Gan-Ning-Meng (GNM) reaches, China. Total elemental contents of Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, and Zn were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) to investigate their distribution and exposure levels in the different media. Results showed that trace metals had widely spatial variability in water and hair samples. There were the highest levels of mean concentrations of Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, and Zn (geometric mean, GM = 0.22, 17, 65, 3.0, 4.9, and 170 μg/g, respectively) in residents' hairs living at P2. Most of the hair donors in this study showed high concentrations of Cr when compared with the literature. Differences could be distinguished for Mn (p = 0.001) and Fe (p = 0.001) with gender, and for Cr (p = 0.021), Zn (p = 0.003), and Pb (p = 0.035) with age, respectively. The pollution assessments revealed an unpolluted degree in filtered water and a moderately polluted degree for Cd in sediments at P1–P4. Correlation analysis showed significant correlations between hair and sediment samples for Cr and Mn. This paper provides basic and useful information in facing public and environmental health challenges in the GNM sections of the Yellow River.     

Bioaccumulation of trace metals in Mediterranean mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) from a fish farm with copper-alloy mesh pens and potential risk assessment

Concentrations of trace metals were determined in the muscle tissue, digestive gland and gills of Mediterranean mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) collected from different locations around an offshore copper alloy fish farm. Levels of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn) and iron (Fe) as mg/kg wet weight in the edible part of the mussels collected from distant zone (upstream Zn7.33 > Fe2.8 > Cu0.13 > Mn0.07 and downstream Zn9.9 > Fe5.67 > Cu0.18 > Mn0.17) were significantly lower (p < 0.05) than those sampled from the cage zone (bottom panel Zn22.25 > Fe13.75 > Cu2.39 > Mn0.85 and cage frame Zn17.1 > Fe8.74 > Cu1.39 > Mn0.26). Trace metal concentrations in mussels were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the samples from the frame and bottom panel of the copper alloy mesh pen, compared to those from distant areas, namely the farm affected downstream -and non-affected upstream locations. However, the rates of target hazard quotients (THQ) for all tested trace metals from all locations in the present study were smaller than “one” (THQ < 1), indicating that the consumption of mussels grown around a cage farm with copper alloy mesh pens were within safe limits and did not exceed maximum levels suggested by the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) and European Union (EU) regulations for seafood consumption.     

Concentration of toxic metals and potential risk assessment in edible fishes from Congo River in urbanized area of Kinshasa,DR Congo

Abstract

The objective of this research is to determine the concentration and potential health risks of toxic metals in six most consumed freshwater fish species (Auchenoglanis occidentalis, Bagrus ubangensis, Citharinus gibbosus, Distichondus fasciolatus, Marcusenius moorii, and Schilbe mystus). A total of 126 samples of these fish species were collected from seven sites of Congo River in the vicinity of Kinshasa City, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Toxic metals (Cr, Co, Ni, Zn, Se, Ag, Cd, Sn, Sb, and Pb) levels in fish muscle tissues were determined using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry whereas Hg analysis was carried out using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The maximum metal concentration (mg kg^?1 wet weight) of Zn (59.72), Sb (5.98), and Pb (4.96) was detected in muscle tissues of M. moorii, C. gibbosus, and D. fasciolatus, respectively. Pb, Zn, and Hg values in many fish samples exceeded the permissible levels set by Food and Agriculture Organization and World Health Organization for human consumption. Given the concentrations of Pb in all fish species and Zn in M. moorii, human health implications are likely to occur on continuous consumption. Addition, the evaluation of potential health risks for fish consumers indicates that there may or not be adverse effects.     

Heavy metals in the clam Megapitaria squalida collected from wild and phosphorite mine-impacted sites in Baja California, Mexico

The “chocolate clam” Megapitaria squalida, is widely consumed by the population of several localities along the Pacific coast. Clams collected from seven stations in Bahía de la Paz, a bay within the Gulf of California, before and after the summer rainy season were analyzed for Pb, Ni, Cd, Mn, Zn, Cu, and Fe. The location of the sampling sites significantly affected the concentration of metals in clam tissues, but not in relation to the proximity to alleged contaminated sites. Clams from a site close to a phosphate mine had the highest levels of Pb, but only in April, and the highest concentrations of Cd were recorded in clams collected in areas with no anthropogenic activities. Clams from sites considered clean had higher levels of Cd, Fe, Zn, and Mn. The mean concentrations (μg/g dry weight) ranged from 0.1 to 7.8 for Pb, from 1.9 to 8.8 for Ni, from 1.5 to 11.1 for Cd, from 2.5 to 14.1 for Mn, from 47.2 to 64.6 for Zn, from 5.4 to 18.7 for Cu, and from 154 to 558 for Fe. Collecting clams in sites apparently pristine is no guarantee that metals will be in low concentrations.