Scope for growth and condition index in the clam Meretrix meretix (L.) as biomarkers of pollution in Espírito Santo Estuary, Mozambique

•This is the first study of scope for growth in M. meretrix in its southern area of distribution.•Assessing pollution in an estuary in Mozambique using SFG and condition indices.•Symptoms of stress and impact of pollution were found in the studied estuary.•The clam M. meretrix is a suitable candidate for studies of environmental pollution

This paper presents results of a laboratory study designed to assess the impact of pollution in Espírito Santo Estuary, Mozambique, by the use of scope for growth (SFG) and condition indices in the clam Meretrix meretrix. Low energy balances were observed at all sites from the estuary (0.91–2.89 J h−1g−1) as well as from the comparison site (2.57 J h−1g−1). Lowest condition index was observed in clams from the comparison site. Results from the present study indicate symptoms of stress and impact of pollution, and whether M. meretrix is a suitable candidate species for further studies of environmental contamination in coastal regions. This study is to our knowledge the first to investigate the energy available for growth in M. meretrix in its southern area of distribution.