Evaluation of Potentially Toxic Metal Bioaccumulation in Farmed Mussels: Assessing the Non-Contributory Role of Attachment Ropes in Metal Enrichment.

Abstract

Potentially toxic metal contamination in marine environments poses significant risks to both ecosystems and human health. Mussels, as filter feeders, are particularly susceptible to accumulating these contaminants, making their safety a critical concern. This study aims to investigate the correlation between potentially toxic metal concentrations in attachment ropes and mussel soft tissues in an aquaculture setting. We analyzed the levels of Hg, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Pb, and Cr in both substrates and assessed the health risks using the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) method. Results show that while most potentially toxic metals (Hg, Cu, Zn, Pb, Cr) in mussels present low health risks with THQ values below 1, As and Cd pose significant risks, with As showing a THQ value significantly above 1. No significant correlations were found between the potentially toxic metal concentrations in ropes and mussel tissues, indicating other environmental factors influence metal bioaccumulation in mussels. These findings underscore the necessity for comprehensive monitoring and targeted mitigation strategies to reduce potentially toxic metal contamination in aquaculture environments, ensuring the safety and sustainability of mussel production.