Trace Metals in the Mussel Mytilus californianus from the West Coast of Baja California, Mexico

This study assessed the concentrations of trace metals in tissues of Mytilus californianus from the west coast of Baja California, Mexico, during the cold and warm seasons. The concentrations of silver, cadmium, copper and zinc in mussel tissues were measured using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. Silver concentrations ranged from 0.03 to 0.48 µg/g dry weight (d.w.) with significantly higher values registered at sites close to densely populated areas. Cadmium, copper, and zinc concentrations ranged from 0.57 to 7.83 µg/g d.w., 3.71 to 621 µg/g d.w., and 57.54 to 124.55 µg/g d.w., respectively. According to the WHO, values of copper and zinc were within acceptable limits. The maximum values of cadmium, however, exceeded the recommended limits set by the European Commission (2014). The human health risk of the metals analyzed was low (THQ and HI < 1). The regular monitoring of trace metals in M. californianus is recommended for a more definitive evaluation of contaminants.