Heavy metals in the Antarctic scallop Adamussium colbecki

Abstract

Cu, Fe, Cr. Cd, Mn and Zn concentrations were determined in different organs of the Antarctic scallop Adarnussium colbecki (Smith) and compared with those found in Pecten jacobaeus L., a scallop of temperate waters, and wlth literature values for other Pectinidae. The digestive gland of A. colbeck, was the target organ for Cu, Fe, Cr and Cd, whereas Mn and Zn were found mainly in the kidney. Cd concentration in the digestive gland of A. colbecki was higher than that in the same organ of P. jacobaeus, indicating a marked ability of the Antarctic scallop to concentrate this metal. However, in A. colbecki renal concentrations of both Mn and Zn were considerably lower than those measured in P. lacobaeus and other Pectinidae, and may be related to the scarcity of concretions observed in its kidney.