FATE AND DISTRIBUTION OF TOXIC HEAVY-METALS IN SOME MARINE ORGANISMS FROM THE EASTERN ADRIATIC COAST

The paper reports on levels of heavy metals in some organisms from the eastern Adriatic coast and polluted areas near a big urban centre (Sp lit area). Surprisingly high Hg and MeHg concentrations were found in sea bream (Pagellus erythrinus) and striped mullet (Mullus barbatus) f rom the south-eastern part of the Adriatic. The reason for the high le vels are probably geochemical anomalies. Studies of total and organic mercury content in bivalves have also shown that the gills and hepatop ancreas had high levels of accumulated mercury. Our results have shown that fish contain significantly higher concentrations of MeHg than mu ssel. High concentrations of these elements in fish may be a consequen ce of the methylation process in the visceral organs. Bacterial activi ty in the intestinal contents is most likely to be responsible for thi s methylation (Rudd et al., 1980).