Seasonal variations of heavy metals content in mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) from Cala Iris offshore (Northern Morocco)

Bioaccumulation and health risk assessment of trace elements inMytilus galloprovincialisas sea food in the Al Hoceima coasts (Morocco)

“…The metal concentration of Cadmium, Zinc and Chromium were analyzed in seawater and tissues of M. galloprovincialis, as well described in a previous study by Azizi et al [9]. 3 Results and Discussion.…”

“…The seawater and Mytilus galloprovincialis were sampled monthly from January to December of 2018, from five sites (A, B, F, J and I) of the study area that are located in the Al Hoceima coasts (Figure 1). Once sampled, the seawater and the bivalves (M. galloprovincialis) were transported to the laboratory and prepared for chemical analyses as described in a previous work by Azizi et al [9].…”

“…To provide information about the water quality of Al Hoceima coasts, some abiotic factors (dissolved oxygen, salinity and temperature) were determined in situ at each site using a multiparameter instrument (HQd Series portable meters, HACH, Safety Mark). The chlorophyll a was analyzed according to the method established in our laboratory [9,12].…”

“…In our study, the seasonal variations in the metallic pollutants observed in the mussels, with higher levels obtained in the winter season, and lower concentrations indicated in summer period have long been considered [9][10][11]. In the Al Hoceima coasts, the bioaccumulation of metallic pollutants in marine biota have been influenced by the abiotic variables and the biological states [9]. In relation to the environmental parameters, the effect of seasonal variations in trace metal accumulations in bivalves could be explained by fluvial inputs.…”

“…Programs such as the 'Mussel watch', which was first implemented in 1975 [7] illustrate the usefulness of this approach to monitor the status and the trends of chemical contamination of United States coastal waters. Recent monitoring of heavy metals based on mussels in Mediterranean coastal waters has also proven effective [8][9][10]. The marine mussels are known to concentrate these elements, providing an integrated indication at the time of environmental contamination [3].…”