Heavy Metal Content of Mussels, Perna viridis L., Obtained from Three Commercial Markets in Metro Manila

Abstract

Mussels, Perna viridis L., were collected from three seafood markets in Metro Manila (Macapagal Seaside Market, The Original Dampa Freshfood Market, and Seaside Mart), and were tested for heavy metals including cadmium, copper, lead, and zinc through atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Water samples were also collected from the harvest site of mussels in Bacoor Bay, Cavite, and subjected to similar heavy metal analysis. It was observed that the highest heavy metal concentrations were found in mussels sold in Macapagal Seaside Market. Copper and lead concentrations in soft tissues of mussels were also above the guidelines set by PEMSEA for safe human consumption. Water samples collected from harvest sites in Bacoor Bay also showed high concentrations of cadmium and lead that were beyond the standards of DENR, ASEAN, and U.S. EP A. Hence, this study proves that mussels sold in markets in Metro Manila have some heavy metal concentrations that may be unsafe for human consumption.