Ecotoxicology of Trace Elements in European Oyster (Ostrea edulis), Seawater, and Sedimentsacross Boston Harbor, Massachusetts,USA.

ABSTRACT

European oyster (Ostrea edulis) can be used for biological monitoring of water and sediment quality and serve as a conduit of trace elements to humans via consumption. Trace element concentrations in seawater, sediment, O. edulis edible tissues and shells from Boston Harbor were studied and found to be elevated relative to comparative studies in native ecosystems in the Adriatic Sea and Bay of Biscay. Average edible oyster tissues concentrations (mg/kg) were arsenic 6, cadmium 1.7, cobalt 3.1, chromium 1.9, copper 153, mercury 0.265, nickel 1.8, lead 3.3, and zinc 2390. Arsenic was elevated in seawater and oyster shells. Mercury was elevated in sediments and oyster tissues. Lead was elevated in suspended sediments. Total Hazard Quotient (THQ) was < 1 but when summed across trace elements, THQ was nominally > 1 for all sites. Further study is warranted to determine mechanisms and spatial extent of bioaccumulation.