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Heavy metal content in oysters (Crassostrea gigas) cultured in the Ebro Delta in Catalonia, Spain

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Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine heavy metal content (As, Cd, Cu, Hg, Cd, Pb, and Zn) in oysters transplanted in Ebro Delta bays (Alfacs and Fangar) where oysters are traditionally cultured for human consumption. Metal body burdens were monitored weekly during the period of maximal agriculture activity from May to June in 2008 and 2009. Results indicate that regardless of the high levels of metals reported in biota living in Ebro River, metal levels in oysters from both bays were similar to those found in unpolluted areas and far below the maximum limits of tolerance recommended by the European Commission. Nevertheless, metal accumulation patterns in oysters differentiate two sources of pollution: one coming from agriculture activities within the Ebro’s delta for As, Cd, Cu, and Zn and other coming from Ebro River probably related to industrial activities upstream (Hg, Pb) or to lead shot pellets form hunting activities (Pb). Reported results, thus, are in concern with previous studies and indicate that metallic pollutants do not affect oysters cultures in Ebro Delta associated bays.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the Research Grant of the Projects MEC-MICINN CTM2007-62436 and CTM2010-18167.

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  1. Center for Research and Innovation in Toxicology, Technical University of Catalonia, Campus Terrassa zona IPCT Ctra Nac.150. km 15, 08227, Terrassa, Spain

    Victoria Ochoa & M. Carmen Riva

  2. Department of Environmental Chemistry, IDAEA-CSIC, Jordi Girona 18, 08034, Barcelona, Spain

    Carlos Barata

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  1. Victoria Ochoa
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Correspondence to Victoria Ochoa.

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Ochoa, V., Barata, C. & Riva, M.C. Heavy metal content in oysters (Crassostrea gigas) cultured in the Ebro Delta in Catalonia, Spain. Environ Monit Assess 185, 6783–6792 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-013-3064-z

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