Factors influencing bioaccumulation of trace heavy metals by the blue mussel (Mytilus edulis)

CHED 1090

Stacey A. Helming, shelming209@hawks.rwu.edu1, Stephen K. O'Shea, soshea@rwu.edu1, and David L. Taylor, dtaylor@rwu.edu2. (1) Department of Chemistry, Roger Williams University, One Old Ferry Road, Bristol, RI 02809, (2) Department of Biology, Roger Williams University, One Old Ferry Road, Bristol, RI 02809
To model the bioavailable concentration of toxic heavy metals in sediments and water in an estuarine environment, the sedentary blue mussel (Mytilus edulis) was chosen as an indicator species. Sediments (0-2 cm) and M. edulis were collected from six sites in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island, and examined for trace heavy metal concentration. Metal contaminants in sediments were correlated with the total organic carbon content and grain size distribution of the sediments. Mean differences in M. edulis and sediment metal concentrations were examined across sites using analysis of variance models. Moreover, correlations between site-specific M. edulis and sediment concentrations were investigated using regression analysis. Heavy metal analysis was completed on a DMA-80 (total mercury) and ICP-MS (lead, cadmium, silver, and selenium). Grain size was differentiated by dry sieving, while total organic carbon was determined by ashing sediments in a Muffle Furnace (800 °C, 5 hr).
 

Undergraduate Research Poster Session: Environmental Chemistry
2:00 PM-4:00 PM, Monday, April 7, 2008 Morial Convention Center -- Hall A, Poster

Division of Chemical Education

The 235th ACS National Meeting, New Orleans, LA, April 6-10, 2008