Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Metal Concentrations in Organs of the Clam Amiantis umbonella and Their Use in Monitoring Metal Contamination of Coastal Sediments

  • Published:
Water, Air, & Soil Pollution Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of metal concentrations in clam organs to monitor metal contamination in coastal sediments. The concentrations of Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, V, and Zn were measured in the kidneys, gonads, mantles, gills, digestive gland, and hearts of the infaunal clam Amiantis umbonella collected from a contaminated site near desalination and power plant discharges, and a reference site in Kuwait Bay. Metal concentrations in sediment and sediment pore water were also measured at the collection sites of individual clams at the contaminated site. The concentrations of all metals in all organs (except Zn in the digestive gland) were significantly higher in clams from the contaminated site than from the reference site. Metal concentrations in several organs in A. umbonella from the contaminated site were correlated with those in the sediments and pore waters to which they were exposed. However, fresh weights of gonads, gills, and mantles were significantly lower in clams from the contaminated site compared to the reference site, indicating that the observed elevated concentrations of metals in the organs of clams from the contaminated site largely reflect lower organ weights, rather than higher metal loads, and that these organs in A. umbonella and perhaps other clams are not appropriate for use as biomonitors of metal contamination. Metal concentrations in clam kidneys showed a wide dynamic range with respect to environmental contamination and kidney weight was not variable. Therefore, metal concentrations in clam kidneys provide a reliable biomonitor of contaminant metals in coastal marine sediments.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Ahn, I.-Y., Lee, S. H., Kim, K. T., Shim, J. H., & Kim, D. Y. (1996). Baseline heavy metal concentrations in the Antarctic clam Laternula elliptica (King and Broderip) in Maxwell Bay, King George Island. Antarctica Marine Pollution Bulletin, 32, 592–598.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ahn, I.-Y., Kang, J., & Kim, K.-W. (2001). The effect of body size on metal accumulations in the bivalve Laternula elliptica. Antarctica Science Bulletin, 13, 355–362.

    Google Scholar 

  • Al-Bakri, D., & Kittaneh, W. (1998). Physicochemical characteristics and pollution indicators in the intertidal zone of Kuwait: implications for benthic ecology. Environmental Management, 22, 415–442.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Alyahya, H., El-Gendy, A. H., Al Farraj, S., & El-Hedeny, M. (2011). Evaluation of heavy metal pollution in the Arabian Gulf using the clam Meretrix meretrix Linnaeus, 1758. Water, Air, and Soil Pollution, 214, 499–507.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Amiard-Triquet, C., Berthet, B., & Metayer, C. (1986). Contribution to the ecotoxicological study of cadmium, lead, copper and zinc in the mussel Mytilus edulis. Marine Biology, 90, 425–431.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Balls, P. W. (1985). Copper, lead, and cadmium in coastal waters of the western North Sea. Marine Chemistry, 15, 363–378.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Baudrimont, M., Metivaud, J., Maury-Brachet, R., Ribeyre, F., & Boudou, A. (1997). Bioaccumulation and metallothionein response in the asiatic clam (Corbicula fluminea) after experimental exposure to cadmium and inorganic mercury. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 16, 2096–2105.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bebianno, M. J., Nott, J. A., & Langston, W. J. (1993). Cadmium metabolism in the clam Ruditapes decussata: the role of metallothioneins. Aquatic Toxicology, 27, 315–334.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bruland, K. W., Coale, K., & Mart, H. L. (1985). Analysis of seawater for dissolved cadmium, copper, and lead: an intercomparison of voltammetric and atomic absorption methods. Marine Chemistry, 17, 285–300.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bu-Olayan, A. H., & Al-Yakoob, S. (1998). Lead, nickel and vanadium in seafood: an exposure assessment for Kuwaiti consumers. Science of the Total Environment, 223, 81–86.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bu-Olayan, & Thomas, B. V. (2006). Assessment on biocides bioaccumulation in mullet Liza klunzingeri in Kuwaiti waters, off the Arabian Gulf. American Journal of Environmental Science, 2, 109–113.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bu-Olayan, A. H., Thomas, B. V., & Husaini, M. S. (2008). Trace metals toxicity to the body structures of mullet Liza klunzingeri. International Journal of Environmental Research, 2, 249–254.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Chung, K. W., Fulton, M. H., & Scott, G. I. (2007). Use of the juvenile clam, Mercenaria mercenaria, as a sensitive indicator of aqueous and sediment toxicity. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 67, 333–340.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cooper, S., Hare, L., & Campbell, P. G. C. (2010). Subcellular partitioning of cadmium in the freshwater bivalve, Pyganodon grandis, after separate short-term exposures to waterborne or diet-borne metal. Aquatic Toxicology, 100, 303–312.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dauer, D. M., Maybury, C. A., & Ewing, R. M. (1981). Feeding behaviour and general ecology of several spionid polychaetes from the Chesapeake Bay. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, 54, 21–38.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Denton, G. R. W., & Burdon-Jones, C. (1986). Trace metals in fish from the Great Barrier Reef. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 17, 201–209.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dragun, Z., Erk, M., Ivanković, D., Žaja, R., Marijić, V. F., & Raspor, B. (2010). Assessment of low-level metal contamination using the Mediterranean mussel gills as the indicator tissue. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 17, 977–986.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Escobedo-Fregoso, C., Mendez-Rodriguez, L. C., Monsalvo-Spencer, P., Llera-Herrera, R. A., Zenteno-Savin, T., & Acosta-Vargas, B. (2010). Assessment of metallothioneins in tissues of the clam Megapitaria squalida as biomarkers for environmental cadmium pollution from areas enriched in phosphorite. Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, 59, 255–263.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fisher, N. S., Teyssié, J.-L., Fowler, S. W., & Wang, W.-X. (1996). Accumulation and retention of metals in mussels from food and water: a comparison under field and laboratory conditions. Environmental Science and Technology, 30, 3232–3242.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gauthier-Clerc, G., Pellerin, J., Blaise, C., & Gagné, F. (2002). Delayed gametogenesis of Mya arenaria in the Saguenay fjord (Canada): a consequence of endocrine disruptors? Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part C: Toxicology & Pharmacology, 131, 457–467.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Giguere, A., Couillard, Y., Campbell, P. G. C., Perceval, O., Hare, L., Pinel-Alloul, B., et al. (2003). Steady-state distribution of metals among metallothionein and other cytosolic ligands and links to cytotoxicity in bivalves living along a polymetallic gradient. Aquatic Toxicology, 64, 185–200.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Goldberg, E. D., Koide, M., Holdge, V., Flegal, A. R., & Martin, J. (1983). U.S. Mussel Watch: 1977–1978 results on trace metals and radionuclides. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 16, 69–93.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Inza, B., Ribeyre, F., Maury-Brachet, R., & Boudou, A. (1997). Tissues distribution of inorganic mercury and cadmium in the Asiatic clam (Corbicula fluminae) in relation to the contamination levels of the water column and sediment. Chemosphere, 35, 2817–2836.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kavun, V. Y., & Podgurskaya, O. V. (2009). Adaptation strategy of bivalve Modiolus modiolus from upwelling regions of the Kuril Islands shelf (Sea of Okhotsk) to heavy metal effects. Continental Shelf Research, 29, 1597–1604.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • King, C. K., Dowse, M. C., & Simpson, S. L. (2010). Toxicity of metals to the bivalve Tellina deltoidalis and relationship between metal bioacumulation and metal partitioning between seawater and marine sediments. Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, 58, 657–665.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Klumpp, D. W., & Burdon-Jones, C. (1982). Investigations of the potential of bivalve molluscs as indicators of heavy metal levels in tropical marine waters. Australian Journal of Marine & Freshwater Research, 33, 285–300.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Langston, W. J., & Zhou, M. (1987). Cadmium accumulation, distribution and elimination in the bivalve Macoma balthica: neither metallothionein nor metallothionein-like proteins are involved. Marine Environmental Research, 21, 225–237.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Langston, W. J., Bebianno, M. J., & Burt, G. R. (1998). Metal handling strategies in molluscs. In W. J. Langston & M. J. Bebianno (Eds.), Metal metabolism in aquatic environments (pp. 219–272). London: Chapman and Hall.

    Google Scholar 

  • Marina, M. O., & Enzo, O. (1983). Variability of zinc and manganese concentrations in relation to sex and season in the bivalve Donax trunculus. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 4, 342–346.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mouneyrac, C., Amiard, J. C., & Amiard-Triquet, C. (1998). Effects of natural factors (salinity and body weight) on cadmium, copper, zinc and metallothionein-like protein levels in resident populations of oysters Crassostrea gigas from a polluted estuary. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 162, 125–135.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Nigro, M., Regoli, F., Rocchi, R., & Orlando, E. (1997). Heavy metals in Antarctic mollusks. In B. Battaglia, J. Valencia, & D. W. H. Walton (Eds.), Antarctic communities: species, structure and survival (pp. 409–412). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nørum, U., Lai, V. W. M., & Cullen, W. R. (2005). Trace element distribution during the reproductive cycle of female and male spiny and Pacific scallops, with implications for biomonitoring. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 50, 175–184.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • O’Connor, T. P. (2004). Trends in chemical concentrations in mussels and oysters collected along the US coast from 1986 to 1993. Marine Environmental Research, 41, 183–201.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Odzak, N., Martinic, D., Zvonaric, T., & Branica, M. (1994). Bioaccumulation rate of Cd and Pb in M. galloprovincialis foot and gills. Marine Chemistry, 46, 119–131.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Okazaki, R. K., & Panietz, M. H. (1981). Depuration of twelve trace metals in tissues of the oysters Crassostrea gigas and C. virginica. Marine Biology, 63, 113–120.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Phillips, D. J. H., & Rainbow, P. S. (1989). Strategies of trace metal sequestration in aquatic organisms. Marine Environment Research, 28, 207–210.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Phillips, D. J. H., & Rainbow, P. S. (1995). Biomonitoring of heavy metal availability in the marine environment. Marine Pollution, 31, 183–192.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Podgurskaya, O. V., & Kavun, V. Y. (2006). Subcellular distribution of heavy metals in organs of bivalve Modiolus modiolus living along a metal contamination gradient. Ocean Science Journal, 41, 43–51.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Podgurskaya, O. V., & Kavun, V. Y. (2005). Comparison analysis of subcellular distribution of heavy metals in organs of the bivalve mollusks Crenomytilus grayanus and Modiolus modiolus from a continuously polluted environment. Russian Journal of Marine Biology, 31, 373–381.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Podgurskaya, O. V., Kavun, V. Y., & Lukyanova, O. N. (2004). Heavy metal accumulation and distribution in organs of the mussel Crenomytilus grayanus from upwelling areas of the Okhotsk Sea and Sea of Japan. Russian Journal of Marine Biology, 30, 219–226.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rainbow, P. S., & Phillips, D. J. H. (1993). Cosmopolitan biomonitors of trace metals. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 26, 593–601.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Regoli, L. H., Chan, M., De Lafontaine, Y., & Mikaelian, I. (2001). Organotins in zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) and sediments of the Quebec City Harbour area of the St. Lawrence River. Aquatic Toxicolology, 53, 115–126.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Reinfelder, J. R., Wang, W.-X., Luoma, S. N., & Fisher, N. S. (1997). Assimilation efficiencies and turnover rates of trace elements in marine bivalves: a comparison of oysters, clams, and mussels. Marine Biology, 129, 443–452.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Reinfelder, J. R., Fisher, N. S., Wang, W.-X., Nichols, J., & Luoma, S. N. (1998). Trace element trophic transfer in aquatic organisms: a critique of the kinetic model approach. Science of the Total Environment, 219, 117–135.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Roesijadi, G., & Robinson, W. E. (1994). Metal regulation in aquatic animals: mechanisms of uptake, accumulation and release. In D. C. Malins & G. K. Ostrander (Eds.), Aquatic toxicology: molecular, biochemical and cellular perspectives (pp. 387–420). Boca Raton: Lewis Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

  • Siah, A., Pellerin, J., Amiard, J. C., Pelletier, E., & Viglino, L. (2003). Delayed gametogenesis and progesterone levels in soft- shell clams (Mya arenaria) in relation to in situ contamination to organotins and heavy metals in the St. Lawrence River (Canada). Toxicology and Pharmacology, 135, 145–156.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Simkiss, K., & Mason, A. Z. (1983). Metal ions: metabolic and toxic effects. In K. M. Wilbur (Ed.), Biology of Mollusca (pp. 101–164). New York: Academic.

    Google Scholar 

  • Taghon, G. L., Nowell, A. R. M., & Jumars, P. A. (1980). Induction of suspension feeding in spionid polychaetes by high particulate fluxes. Science, 210, 562–564.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tessier, A., Campbell, P. G. C., Auclair, J. C., & Bisson, M. (1984). Relationships between the partitioning of trace metals in sediments and their accumulation in the tissues of the freshwater mollusc Elliptio complanata in a mining area. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, 41, 1463–1472.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yap, C. K., Ismail, A., Cheng, W. H., et al. (2006). Crystalline style and tissue redistribution in Perna viridis as indicators of Cu and Pb bioavailabilities and contamination in coastal waters. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 63, 413–423.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

We thank the former Director of the Environmental Public Authority (EPA) of Kuwait, Dr. Mohammed Sarawi, for his support and invaluable assistance in collecting and processing specimens, data management, and laboratory analysis. I would like to express my gratitude to Dr. Michael Gochfeld and Dr. Keith Cooper for their constructive comments and Dr. Manaf Behbehani and Dr. Salim Al-Mohanna of the University of Kuwait for their helpful discussions regarding this research. I would also like to thank NIEHS (P 30ES005022) for their partial support for this project. This research was conducted under approved Rutgers University protocol. The results, conclusions, and interpretations reported herein are the sole responsibility of the authors.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Life Sciences, Department of Ecology and Evolution, Rutgers University, 604 Allison Road, Piscataway, NJ, 08854-8082, USA

    Qaiser Tarique & Joanna Burger

  2. Department of Environmental Sciences, Rutgers University, 14 College Farm Road, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901-8551, USA

    John R. Reinfelder

Authors
  1. Qaiser Tarique
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Joanna Burger
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. John R. Reinfelder
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to John R. Reinfelder.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Tarique, Q., Burger, J. & Reinfelder, J.R. Metal Concentrations in Organs of the Clam Amiantis umbonella and Their Use in Monitoring Metal Contamination of Coastal Sediments. Water Air Soil Pollut 223, 2125–2136 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-011-1009-0

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-011-1009-0

Keywords

Search

Navigation