DETERMINATION OF HEAVY METALS, POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS AND POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYLS IN Mytilus galloprovincialis FROM CAMPANIA COASTS, ITALY

The marine environment represents a part of the ecosystem vulnerable to chemical pollutant contaminations because of the extended and prolonged release of these contaminants from urban, industrial and agro-livestock waste-waters. Filter feeders, such as mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis), can bio-accumulate heavy metals and persistent chemicals, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), but there are just a few data about their presence in shellfish farms located in Campania (Italy), in which the mussels breeding is one of the most important commercial activities. A survey on the classified sea farms in Campania was conducted, and it allowed us to identify and monitor the main areas of breeding. The results of the monitoring plan showed a heterogeneous distribution of these contaminants depending on areas with a general major contamination at shores located near strongly urbanized and industrial areas, in some cases abandoned. The heavy metal (lead, cadmium, chromium and mercury) levels were always below the maximum limits assessed by the EC, and all samples were compliants also for the 11 PAHs studied, although a maximum level was assessed by EC for the only benzo[a]pyrene. Finally, an evaluation of non-compliances for non dioxin-like PCB (ndl-PCB) levels was not possible because of the missing of a specific regulation, although only low levels were found.