Biomonitoring of copper, cadmium, lead, zinc and chromium in the Kaštela bay using transplanted mussels

Abstract

The biovailability of Cu, Cd, Pb, Zn and Cr in the Kastela Bay was assessed using transplanted mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis). Obtained results suggest that digestive gland is the preferential organ for the accumulation of studied trace metals. Seasonal variability of Cu, Cd, Pb and Cr accumulated in the mussels is explained by the seasonal variability of prevailing hydrodynamic conditions in the bay, causing the resuspension of sediments. However, Zn didn't show the seasonal variability probably due to the existence of certain regulation mechanism.