Trace Element Concentrations in the Mediterranean Mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis Lamarck, 1819 Caught from Sinop Coast of the Black Sea, Turkey

ABSTRACT

The concentrations of copper, zinc, lead and cadmium in the soft parts of Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis caught from the Sinop coasts of the Black Sea have been measured by an atomic absorption spectrophotometer for monitoring metal pollution level in the coastal water seasonally in 2010. In the present study, a statistically significant difference in the concentrations of all metals investigated was observed. The results were compared with previous studies and discussed. It is concluded that the mussels M. galloprovincialis are suitable biomonitors to assess changes in metal pollution in this coastal area of the Black Sea.