Metal levels in the mussel Mytilus edulis collected from estuaries in south-eastern Australia

Abstract

The levels of six metals were determined in M. edulis collected from five sites on the south-eastern Australian coast. On a wet weight basis, levels (µg g^-1) were: Pb, 1.68-4.15 ; Cu, 1.62-3.77; Cr, 2.27-3.83; Ni, 1.41-3.49: Cd, 0.39-0.63; and Zn, 20.64-40.38. On the basis of metal levels, Eden and Jervis Bay were less suitable as sites for mussel culture than Batemans Bay, Lakes Entrance and Merimbula.