Levels of metals in reared mussels from Taranto Gulf (Ionian Sea, Southern Italy)

Samples of Mytilus galloprovincialis were collected monthly during the period July 1999–June 2000 from two mussel culture areas influenced by urban and industrial wastes. These stations, subjected to different environmental impact conditions, are located in the coastal area of Taranto Gulf (Ionian Sea, Southern Italy). Metals (Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn, Fe and As) were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) in the whole soft tissue of mussels. Seasonal changes in metal concentrations were observed. Metals exhibited maximum values in later winter–early spring, followed by a progressive decrease during the summer.Metal concentrations were similar to those detected in other Italian coastal zones, and indicate that the seafood under investigation poses no hazard to human health because metal content is within the permissible range established for safe consumption by humans.