Heavy Metals in Mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) from Marmara Sea, Turkey

Marmara Sea is one of the main catching areas of mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) in Turkey, and a significant portion of the harvest has been exported mainly to European countries. In this study, Zn, Cu, Cd, Hg, and Pb in mussels from ten catching areas in Marmara Sea were analyzed to investigate health risks associated with consuming mussels. Mercury was not detected (< 0.15 ppb) in any of the samples. The highest concentrations of Cu and Cd were 3.473 and 0.740 mg kg(-1) (wet weight, WW), respectively, well below the maximum permissible levels. All samples contained Zn higher than 50 mg kg(-1), while Pb was above the limits in the samples from stations 1, 4, 6, and 8. Mussels from Marmara Sea are safe regarding Cu, Cd, and Hg but may contain Zn and Pb above the permissible limits. However, metal contents of mussels from Marmara Sea are mostly lower than those of the regions in other areas of the world. It was concluded that Marmara Sea has a potential of being a safe source of mussels if industrial inputs somewhat reduced and controlled. Concentrations of heavy metals in mussels must be monitored comprehensively and periodically with respect to the consumer health.