Concentration, distribution and correlation of heavy metals in Asian Moon Scallop (Amusium pleuronectes) and sea water from Indragiri River estuary

Abstract

A study on the concentration, distribution and correlation of heavy metals Pb, Cd, Cu and Zn in seawater and asian moon scallop (Amusium pleuronectes) from Indragiri river estuary has been conducted on April 2018. Samples were collected from six stations representing inner and outer part of the estuary and the analysis of heavy metal was carried out by using AAS Shimadzu AA-7000. The results of the study showed that the average concentration of Pb, Cd, Cu and Zn in surface seawater and scallop were 0.0744, 0.0038, 0.0302, 0.1761 mg/L and 0.3100, 0.5300, 7.8669, 43.1069 μg/g, respectively. The concentrations of heavy metals between stations were significantly different (p<0.05), but no difference found between outer and inner part of the estuary (p>0.05). Heavy metal concentrations in seawater and scallop were positively correlated, except for Pb. The tolerable intake of metals as PTWI (Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intake) was calculated presented. Although the concentrations of all metals were still lower than many reported areas in Indonesian coastal waters, further intensive study is needed in order to determine the toxic metals in the scallop, and not only to report levels of contaminants but also important to compare them with health criteria values. Continuous environment monitoring programs should also be implemented to keep and protect the sustainability of the estuary.