Pb isotopes in mussels as tracers of metallic inputs in the Sete harbour (Herault, France).

The Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb concentrations and Pb isotopic compositions are determin ed in mussel flesh from Sete harbour (Herault) and the Thau lagoon. The mus sels were sampled in specific places near industrial piers, boat workshops, a fertiliser factory and at the harbour extremities. The spatial variation s in concentrations are linked to the industrial inputs. The interest of th is study is that Pb isotopic compositions in the soft parts constrain the l ead sources, by comparison with industrial products and natural endmember s ignatures, and identify water movements in the harbour. (C) 2001 Academie d es sciences / Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.