Trace elements in edible shellfish species from the lower Gangetic delta

The accumulation of trace elements in edible shellfish species may lead to serious health problems through the food chain. In this study we measured the concentrations of Zn, Cu, Pb and Cd in the shellfish species like Penaeus monodon, Penaeus indicus, Scylla serrata, Saccostrea cucullata and Crassostrea madrasensis using a ICP mass spectrometer. Samples were collected from the lower stretch of the River Ganga which receives wastes of complex character from industries and various anthropogenic activities. The trace element concentrations present an alarming picture from the point of human consumption and at the same time exhibit significant spatial variations. The bioaccumulation pattern of selected trace elements also exhibit species specificity.