Organochlorines and trace metals in green-lipped mussels Perna viridis from Hong Kong waters: a test of indicator ability

Abstract

Whilst the use of biological indicators to quantify aquatic pollution by trace elements and organochlorines is well-established in temperate waters, this technique has been relatively little used in tropical areas. This is partly because a suitable species has yet to be identified. In South-East Asia, the green-lipped mussel Perna viridis (Linnaeus) has been proposed as a candidate for regional bioindicator studies. The capacity of P. viridis to act as an efficient and accurate bio-indicator for trace metals and organochlorines has been tested in Hong Kong coastal waters, using samples from 15 locations. It is concluded that P. viridis is an excellent bio-indicator species for studies of copper and lead. Its use to monitor cadmium, mercury and zinc requires further study, however; in particular, the mussel may partially metabolically regulate zinc concentrations in its tissues. P. viridisappears to be a capable indicator species for organochlorines; the data reported here reveal a generalized contarnination of Victoria Harbour by DDT and its metabolites, and localized pollution by PCBs.