Bioaccumulation and depuration of brevetoxins in the eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) and the northern quahog (=Â hard clam, Mercenaria mercenaria)

► We looked at the uptake and depuration of brevetoxins in clams and oysters. ► Oysters and clams accumulated brevetoxins within 3 days. ► Toxin concentrations were below regulatory levels after two weeks of depuration. ► Low levels of brevetoxins were present in shellfish tissues even after 4 months. ► Oysters were more sensitive to brevetoxins than clams.