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

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Abstract
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, partly because a suitable species has yet to be identified. In southeast Asia, the green-lipped musscel P. 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 Cu and Pb. Its use to monitor Cd, Hg and Zn requires further study. The mussel may partially metabolically regulate Zn concentrations in its tissues. P. viridis appears to be a capable indicator species for organochlorines; data reported here reveal a generalized contamination of Victoria Harbour by DDT and its metabolites, and localized pollution by PCB. [polychlorinated biphenyls].

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