Effect of trace metal contamination in sediments on the bioaccumulation of bivalve Meretrix meretrix

• Published in: Marine pollution bulletin 2022-03, Vol.176, p.113422-113422, Article 113422
• Main Authors: Ratheesh Kumar, M, Anoop Krishnan, K, Vimexen, V
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Bioaccumulation; Biological magnification; Bivalvia - metabolism; Cadmium; Chemical speciation; Chromium; Clams; Contamination; Copper; Environmental Monitoring - methods; Geologic Sediments; Gills; Heavy metals; Lead; Mantle; Mercury; Mercury (metal); Meretrix meretrix; Metal concentrations; Metals, Heavy - analysis; Mollusks; Protein biosynthesis; Protein synthesis; Seasonal variation; Seasonal variations; Sediment; Sediment pollution; Sediment texture; Sediments; Speciation; Trace metals; Water Pollutants, Chemical - analysis; Zinc
• ISSN: 0025-326X; 1879-3363
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113422

A quinquennial seasonal study (2015–2019) has been conducted to evaluate the bioaccumulation pattern of trace metals in Meretrix meretrix. The concentration of trace metals in the clam was observed as Cr > Cu > Ni > Zn > Pb > Cd > Hg, (Body> Mantle > Gills), similar to sediments. Contamination Factor of Cu and Cr in sediments showed strong association with the corresponding metal concentration in the body (r = 0.687, r = 0.962), mantle (r = 0.880, r = 0.956) and gills (r = 0.937, r = 0.863). Bioconcentration Factor was high for Cr followed by Ni. Mean Metal Concentration Rate (MMCR) of Cr was high and Hg was low (Body>Mantle>Gills). Our study establishes that the trace metal intake by Meretrix meretrix is associated with seasonal variation, physicochemical factors, sediment texture, chemical speciation and the metabolic stress created within the species induced from increased demand for protein synthesis. The latter resulted in the augmented rate of accumulation of Cu and Cr. [Display omitted] •Sediment contamination influenced the bioaccumulation of Cu, Cr, Ni and Zn in Meretrix meretrix & sandy clay sediment functioned as an immediate source for bioavailability of metals.•Visualization of Contamination Factor of sediments with trace metal concentration in body, mantle and gills was achieved by Neural Network Model.•M.M.C.R. is a useful method for calculating the degree of trace metal accumulation per day in sediments and benthic organisms, particularly for long term bioaccumulation studies.•Wet seasons, acidic pH, low salinity & low water temperature favoured metal-specific bioaccumulation in Meretrix meretrix.•Metabolic stress created within the species accelerates feeding activity which in turn intensify the rate of uptake of Cu and Cr.