Trace metal uptake by three species of mollusks

Investigation of trace metal accumulation by bivalve mollusks in artificial systems is important to determine the mode of uptake by these animals. It is desirable to know if bivalves: 1) accumulate metal directly from seawater; 2) obtain it from their food; or 3) take it up from the bottom sediment inwhich they reside. If seawater is the prime source of the metal, removing metals from the waterways may result in relatively rapid depuration of metals from the tissues of these marine animals. On the other hand, if food or sediment is the source, a longer depuration period may be required. In the present study we examined only the first mode.