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The aim of this study was to monitor the heavy metal contents and fecal pollution in Tapes decussatus (carpet shell clam) from Izmir Bay (Eastern Aegean). Bivalve mollusks were sampled on January, March, July, and October 2007 in the Izmir Bay. Izmir Bay is one of the great natural bays of the Mediterranean. Concentrations of heavy metals were determined in the clams from the different seasons. Fecal coliform densities were determined to evaluate the degree of water pollution and clams' microbiological accumulation of the classical microbial pollution indicators. The concentration of heavy metals in T. decussatus from Izmir Bay were Hg 0.044-0.13; Cd 0.026-0.24; Pb 0.38-1.2; Cr 2.3-3.7; Cu 6.4-8.4; Zn 56.0-81.8, and Ni 8.1-9.6 microg/g (dry weight). The maximum values were generally obtained in July and March except Ni. This study found that the levels of heavy metals except Cr in T. decussatus were below Spanish and European Communities legislations for shellfish as food. Microbial pollution indicators (heterotrophic bacteria and fecal coliform) were measured in T. decussatus. Maximum heterotrophic bacteria and fecal coliforms were recorded in the winter while the lowest were detected in summer.

The results obtained from this study can be of use to prevent potentially harmful adverse effects of microorganisms from polluted waters and shellfish. Necessary hygienic measurements should be regularly taken and shellfish products should certainly not be consumed raw or undercooked.

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