Evaluation of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) contamination in seawater, sediment, and sea snails

What is it about?

Molluscs, being highly susceptible to potentially toxic elements (PTEs) and easily accessible for human consumption, play a critical role in research on PTE pollution. This study focuses on Kukup Fishing Village in Johor, Malaysia, to investigate the levels of Cd, Cu, and Pb in seawater, sediment, and the soft tissues and shells of the gastropods Nerita articulata (lined nerite snail) and Cerithidea obtusa (obtuse horn shell). All collected samples were chemically digested before being analysed using the flame atomic absorption spectrometer (F-AAS). It is found that the PTEs are mostly accumulated in soft tissues and shells, followed by sediments and seawater, respectively. Besides, the results revealed that all study locations exhibited moderate to severe pollution, and the PTE concentrations in sea snails exceeded the thresholds set by the Malaysian Food Regulations (1985). The mean concentrations of the studied elements in the seawater, soft tissues, and shells of two studied species were found to be in the order of Pb > Cu > Cd. Additionally, Pb was heavily accumulated in the soft tissues of both species: N. articulata (712.587–723.242 ppm) and C. obtusa (705.935–708.626 ppm). Compared to N. articulata, C. obtusa showed a higher capacity to accumulate Cd (3.702–4.350 ppm) and Cu (92.687–157.445 ppm), particularly in the soft tissues. The shell of N. articulata and the soft tissue of C. obtusa were identified as potential biomonitoring indicators for Cd and Cu, respectively. It is recommended that the local Malaysian authorities could strengthen environmental management, implement regular monitoring, and raise public awareness to minimise seafood consumption from polluted areas as these measures could aid to reduce pollution, protect marine ecosystems, and safeguard public health.

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Photo by Kipr Guru on Unsplash

Photo by Kipr Guru on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This study highlights serious risks of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in a Malaysian coastal fishing village, where seafood is a primary food source. By revealing that PTE levels in commonly consumed gastropods exceed Malaysian safety limits, it underscores the urgent need for better environmental management and public health protection. Furthermore, identifying species-specific biomonitoring indicators (N. articulata shells for Cd and C. obtusa soft tissues for Cu) provides a valuable, cost-effective tool for long-term pollution monitoring. The findings not only inform local authorities and communities but also contribute to global understanding of marine pollution, seafood safety, and ecosystem health in regions facing similar environmental pressures.

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