Abstract

LANZA, Vilma et al. Trace elements detected by Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) in Turkey wing, Arca zebra (Mollusca, Arcidae) from two coastal locations of Sucre State, Venezuela. Zootecnia Trop. [online]. 2011, vol.29, n.3, pp.261-272. ISSN 0798-7269.

Heavy metals play an important role in the dynamics of chemical and environmental processes in the coastal zones. They originate from natural and anthropogenic sources and can be bioaccumulated in aquatic organisms, where they are found as trace elements, and have potential toxic effects to those who consume them, mainly to humans as the last link in the food chain. The severity of damage depends on the degree and time of exposure to these elements. The concentration of heavy metals (Mg, Cu, Mn, Mo, Ni and Fe) was estimated by Inductivelly Coupled Plasma (ICP) in the Turkey wing, Arca zebra (Mollusca, Bivalvia, Arcidae), from the vicinity to Caimancito and Chacopata (Municipality Cruz Salmerón Acosta, Sucre state, Venezuela). In Caimancito, higher concentrations of almost all metals were detected in September, except for Mg which was registered in February. In Chacopata, the highest concentrations were observed in October (Mg, Mn and Ni), September (Cu), December (Fe) and January (Mo). No significant differences were found between localities, while there were significant differences among months. At present there are not Venezuelan norms or regulations establishing the maximum concentration limits for the analyzed heavy metals in fresh or processed bivalve mollusks, which may enable comparisons with the obtained results. However, based upon international norms, the measured concentrations of heavy metals in Turkey wing apparently do not represent a threat for human consumption.

Keywords : Chacopata; Caimancito; heavy metals; Bivalvia.

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