Trace Metal and PCB Content of Mussels (<i>Mytilus edulis</i>) from the Southwestern Baltic Sea

Abstract

Abstract The concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls and 28 metals were determined in mussels from 32 stations in the southwestern Baltic Sea. Elevated levels of PCBs (up to 28 mg/kg lipids) were found in harbour areas. Increased amounts of some metal contaminants were found in three large areas. The discharge from a sewage plant is responsible for high residues at stations in the outlet of Kiel Fjord. Increased levels of heavy metals in the outer Flensburg Fjord and in the vicinity of Fehmarn Sound seem to be due to natural geological formations, as indicated by the occurrence of elements that usually are not found at high concentrations in anthropogenic wastewaters.