Evaluation of Heavy Metal Levels in Mediterranean mussels from Dardanelles Strait Ports, Türkiye

This study was carried out to determine the heavy metal accumulation levels in the Dardanelles, to evaluate the usability of mussels Mytilus galloprovincialis (Lamarck, 1819) as a bioindicator and to reveal the potential effects of this pollution on the aquatic ecosystem. A total of 125 samples were collected from various ports in Çanakkale Strait and the concentrations of As, Cd, Cu, Fe Hg, Pb and Zn were analysed using ICP-MS technique. The results showed that arsenic (As) levels reached dangerous levels at all stations and the highest concentration was observed at Lapseki station (1.4 mg/kg dry weight), while all other heavy metals (Cu, Cd, Hg, Pb, and Zn) were below the limit values. Health risk assessments were based on Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Temporary Tolerable Daily Intake (PTDI) and Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) calculations. The results showed that the THQ value for arsenic exceeded 1, posing the highest health risk, the total HI value was 1.687, and the other metals posed negligible health risks. Statistical analyses revealed that there was no significant difference in heavy metal accumulation between stations, but there were significant differences among heavy metals. Mytilus galloprovin-cialis was evaluated as an effective bioindicator for monitoring marine pollution in Çanakkale Strait and it was concluded that arsenic levels in particular should be monitored regularly. © (2024), (Union of Scientists in Bulgaria - Plovdiv). All Rights Reserved.