Heavy Metals in the Native Oyster (Ostrea angasi) and Mussel (Mytilus edulis planulatus) from Port Davey, South-western Tasmania

Abstract

Oysters and mussels were sampled from Port Davey in winter 1975 and summer and winter 1978. The permissible concentration for zinc provisionally recommended by the National Health and Medical Research Council was exceeded in oysters, and the standard for lead was exceeded in both mussels and oysters in the 1975 sample. Port Davey is isolated and virtually uninhabited and the metals derive from natural sources.