The Concentrations of Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn, and V in Adamussium Colbecki from Terra Nova Bay (Antartica)

Abstract

Trace element (Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn, and V) concentrations have been measured in 25 samples of Adamussium colbecki collected in Terra Nova Bay, Ross Sea, Antarctica. The mean concentration for lead is 0.64±0.77 μg/g dry weight, for cadmium 28.5±6.9 μg/g d.w., for copper 6.5±4.5 μg/g d.w., for zinc 88±14 μg/g d.w., and for vanadium 1.0±0.3 μg/g d.w. Results obtained are consistent with data reported in the literature for the same species, with the exception of the lead which showed, for most samples, lower concentration. The samples analysed were collected in five different years, but no significant temporal trends are evident for the elements considered.

Key Words:

• Antarctica
• bivalves
• trace elements