TRACE ELEMENTS AND RADIONUCLIDES IN MYTILUS GALLOPROVINCIALIS FROM CAMPANIA REGION (ITALY)

Abstract

Several trace element (As, Al, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Sn, Zn) and gamma radionuclide (Bi-214, Cs-134, Cs-137, K-40, Pb-212, Pb-214, Th-234, Tl-208) contents were detected in Mytilus galloprovincialis samples. Analytical checks were carried out to assess higienic status and marine pollution of sea areas in front of Naples and Salerno coasts. Trace elements values show that only two samples of mussels from legal breeding has exceeded the level of Pb (European Regulation 1661/99). Radionuclides values are low and similar according litterature. In this study is confirmed the attitude of Mytilius galloprovincialis to behave as a good marine pollution indicator. Furthermore, the present investigation is a starting point to enhance safety and quality of this particular foodstuff and it’s also a contribution in the risk assessment related to the consumption of this kind of products.

Keywords

• Mytilus galloprovincialis, trace elements and radionuclides, marine pollution indicator.