Lead concentration and changes in morphological characteristics of Pinna muricata linn. from Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro

Abstract

This study determined the lead concentrations in the water, sediments, soft tissues and shells of the bivalve Pinna muricata Linn. obtained from Calapan Bay, Brgy., Calero, Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro. It also determined the capacity of P. muricata tobio accumulate lead from the ambient waters and sediments by calculating the Biosediment Accumulation Factor (BSAF) and Bio-water Accumulation Factor (BWAF) of the shells and the soft tissues and correlate the morphological characteristics of the P.muricata to the lead concentration in the shells and soft tissues. Results showed that the BSAF and BWAF of the shells were 1.07 and 1.36, respectively where as, the soft tissues BSAF and BWAF were 1.01 and 1.17, respectively. Results of the study showed that the lead concentration in the shell and soft tissues of the bivalves were higher than that of their surrounding water and sediments environments. Only the weight of the whole organism and lead concentration in the shells was significantly correlated (r= 0.263; p=0.042). Continuous monitoring of the bivalves is necessary to safeguard both the food stuff and the environment from the harmful metal substance.