Assessing Heavy Metal Contamination in Anadara tuberculosa within a Protected Ecosystem
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1
Bandung Institute of Technology, Department of Doctoral Nuclear Engineering, Faculty of Mathe-matics and Natural Sciences, Ganesha 10 Street, Bandung 40132, Indonesia
2
Department of Nuclear Chemical Engineering, Indonesian Nuclear Technology Polytechnic, National Research and Innovation Agency, Babarsari 60 Street, P.O. Box 6101, Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia
Corresponding author
Ana Maria Aveiga Ortz
Bandung Institute of Technology, Department of Doctoral Nuclear Engineering, Faculty of Mathe-matics and Natural Sciences, Ganesha 10 Street, Bandung 40132, Indonesia
J. Ecol. Eng. 2024; 25(12)
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ABSTRACT
This study aimed to assess the levels of heavy metal contamination in Anadara tuberculosa from a protected area in Ecuador. Ten individuals were collected from a 50 m² area, dissected, and analyzed for nine heavy metals (As, Cd, Hg, Pb, Ni, Cr, Cu, Zn, and V) using Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP). The results revealed significant bioaccumulation of several toxic elements, with maximum concentrations ranging from 2.37 mg/kg for Cr to 73.70 mg/kg for Zn. These elevated levels raise concerns about the potential health risks to both the bivalves themselves and human consumers. Continuous and comprehensive monitoring is crucial to identify and address environmental impacts associated with heavy metal pollution.