Biomonitoring of copper, cadmium, lead, zinc and chromium in the Kastela Bay using transplanted mussels

The bioavailability of Cu, Cd, Pb, Zn and Cr in the Kastela Bay was assesse d using transplanted mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis). The results obtai ned suggest that digestive gland is the preferential organ for the accumula tion of the studied trace metals. Seasonal variability of Cu, Cd, Pb and Cr accumulated in the mussels is explained by the seasonal variability of pre vailing hydrodynamic conditions in the bay, causing the resuspension of sed iments. However, Zn did not follow the seasonal variability probably due to the existence of a certain regulation mechanism.