Trace metal contents of the Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) purchased from markets in Hong Kong

Journal Article · · Environmental Management; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02645665· OSTI ID:6943869

Cheung, Y H ^[1]; Wong, M H ^[2]

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1. City Polytechnic of Hong Kong, Kowloon (Hong Kong)
2. Hong Kong Baptist College (Hong Kong)

Arsenic, cadmium, chromium, and copper concentrations of the Pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas, purchased from four different markets were determined in this project. In general, gill tissue had the highest proportion of metal contents (34%-67%) when compared with other tissue parts (mantle, viscera, and adductor muscle), except for arsenic, which showed the highest level in adductor muscle (44%). Smaller oysters (longitudinal length of soft body part less than 6 cm) had higher metal levels than larger ones (longitudinal length of soft body part more than 6 cm), except copper. None of the four metals examined showed an obvious seasonal trend, although cadmium levels seemed to be higher in autumn and winter months. Arsenic, cadmium, and copper levels in oysters purchased from different markets and different months obtained in the present study were higher when compared with past reports. Cadmium levels, as high as 10.98 mg/kg (dry weight basis) have been obtained. This approaches the safety limit that may be hazardous to human health. Continual monitoring of cadmium and other trace metals of toxicological significance to man in Hong Kong seafood is recommended.

• OSTI ID: 6943869
• Journal Information: Environmental Management; (United States), Journal Name: Environmental Management; (United States) Vol. 16:6; ISSN EMNGDC; ISSN 0364-152X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560300* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ANIMALS
AQUATIC ORGANISMS
ARSENIC
ASIA
BIOCHEMISTRY
BIOLOGICAL ACCUMULATION
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
CADMIUM
CARCINOGENS
CHEMISTRY
CHROMIUM
COPPER
ECOLOGICAL CONCENTRATION
ELEMENTS
ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURE PATHWAY
FOOD CHAINS
HONG KONG
INVERTEBRATES
METALS
MOLLUSCS
OYSTERS
PACIFIC OCEAN
POLLUTION
PUBLIC HEALTH
SEAS
SEMIMETALS
SURFACE WATERS
TOXICITY
TRANSITION ELEMENTS
WATER POLLUTION