Determination of trace level contaminants in marine species using electron paramagnetic resonance

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Abstract
The concentrations of paramagnetic trace elements were determined from the electron paramagnetic resonance (e.p.r.) spectra of lyophilized bivalve mussels. The method is rapid and requires a minimum of specimen preparation. In many cases the trace elements present could be recognized by inspection of a single spectral run. E.p.r. is sensitive to metal speciation so that it can distinguish the toxic form from the metabolic form. We have shown that a number of bivalve species give consistent results. Levels below 1 part in 108 can be detected with a precision comparable to that of atomic absorption spectroscopy.