METAL CONCENTRATION IN MUSSEL PERNA-VIRIDIS (BIVALVIA ANISOMYARIA) AND OYSTER CRASSOSTREA-MADRASENSIS (BIVALVIA/ANISOMYARIA) FROM SOME PARTS IN SOUTHEAST COAST OF INDIA/

The concept of mussel watch has been applied to monitor the levels of heavy metals in the southeast coast of India covering a distance of 25 0 km. The data reflected a definite seasonal variation with an increas ed metal load during the monsoon period and decreased level during the summer period. The order of metal accumulation was found to be Zn>Cu> Pb>Cd>Hg. Salinity of the media was found to play an important role in the accumulation of metals in tissue. A linear relationship was found between the metal level in the tissues and that in the dissolved frac tions. Oyster showed maximum concentration factor (CF) when compared t o mussels. Both animals showed high adsorption and absorption capacity for heavy metals as revealed by the CF, suggesting that they can be u sed as indicator for water quality and heavy metal pollution on a long -term basis.