Lead bioaccumulation in Nassarius sp., Perna viridis, and Crassostrea iredalei found in LPPCHEA.

Abstract

The Las Piñas-Parañaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area (LPPCHEA) is a 175-hectare protected area that serves as a home to a wide array of mangroves and marine organisms, and a sanctuary for both local and migratory birds. However, its location deems strategic for anthropogenic activities, which makes it inclined to environmental degradation including lead contamination. This study assessed the quality of LPPCHEA’s waters through the measurement of the amount of lead present in the soft tissues of three mollusc species, namely: Nassarius sp., Perna viridis, and Crassostrea iredalei. Inter-and intraspecific variations in lead concentrations were analysed statistically in terms of weight, length, and width. Results showed significant interspecific differences between P. viridis and C. iredalei (p < 0.05). Significant intraspecific differences (p < 0.05) in terms of weight were found in P. viridis and C. iredalei; length and width in C. iredalei. It was also found out that the lead accumulated in the aforementioned species, exceeding the permissible limit of lead in fresh tissues for human and animal consumption set by the international standards, indicates that the marine organisms living in the area are unsafe for consumption.