Heavy metal concentrations in green-lipped mussels collected from Tolo Harbour and markets in Hong Kong and Shenzhen

Green-lipped mussels, Perna viridis, were collected from Kat O, Yim Tin Tsa i, Ma Liu Shui and Tap Mun around Tolo Harbour and six local markets in Hon g Kong (Aberdeen, Shau Kei Wan, Kowloon City, Mongkok, Yuen Long) and Shenz hen (Dongmun) between July 1994 and February 1995 and analysed for cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn). The metal concentrations of mussels collected from the study sites were Cd (0. 45-1.44 mu g/g), Cr (0.82-4.89 mu g/g), Cu (6.02-23.99 mu g/g), Ni (3.25-6. 87 mu g/g), Pb (2.02-4.36 mu g/g) and Zn (90-135 mu g/g), while those from the markets were Cd (0.27-1.44 mu g/g), Cr (1.09-3.30 mu g/g), Cu(9.05 17.8 mu g/g), Ni (2.44-5.25 mu g/g), Pb (1.17-5 mu g/g) and Zn (51-103 mu g/g). The metal concentrations were below the maximum permissible levels set by the Hong Kong Government. In addition, seasonal variation of metal accumula tion in mussels was investigated in Yim Tin Tsai and Ma Liu Shui and a redu ction in the total heavy metal concentrations during winter was noted. The non-carcinogenic hazard index of mussels collected from Tolo Harbour and fr om Hong Kong markets was between 0.46 and 1.36 compared with those from She nzhen markets (0.85-1.46), which indicated a low but possible risk in consu ming the mussels. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.