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Concentration of three toxic metals in oysters (Crassostrea virginica) of biloxi and pascagoula, Mississippi estuaries

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Abstract

Concentrations of three toxic trace metals, Hg, Pb, and Cd in the commercial oyster Crassostrea virginica were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Oysters were collected from the Biloxi, Ocean Springs and Pascagoula, Mississippi area. Mercury concentrations were low and appeared to be natural background levels. Lead content of the Mississippi oysters compared favorably with levels in Atlantic Coast oysters, but Cd in Atlantic Coast oysters was approximately 6.7 times greater than in the local specimens. There was no definite relation between oyster size and Pb, Hg or Cd content.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biology, Jackson State University, 39217, Jackson, MS, USA

    Edward J. Harvey Sr.

  2. Department of Biology, University of Mississippi, USA

    Luther A. Knight Jr.

Authors
  1. Edward J. Harvey Sr.
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  2. Luther A. Knight Jr.
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Harvey, E.J., Knight, L.A. Concentration of three toxic metals in oysters (Crassostrea virginica) of biloxi and pascagoula, Mississippi estuaries. Water Air Soil Pollut 9, 255–261 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00280673

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00280673

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