Heavy metal speciation in surface sediments and their impact on the bioaccumulation of green mussels (Perna viridis) from the eastern part of the Straits of Johor, Malaysia

Abstract

Many aquatic ecosystems are vulnerable to many pollutants, particularly heavy metals that are now a threat to public health. It may be more effective to manage pollution in waterways if we can better understand the connection between heavy metals in sediments and their accumulation in green mussels. In this study, lead levels in green mussels (Perna viridis) were above the permissible maximum level (WHO, Malaysia Food Regulation, and the FAO). Moreover, zinc levels exceeded the FAO's maximum recommended range. The fractionate of heavy metals in surface sediment from the eastern part of the Johore Straits was investigated using the sequential extraction techniques (SET) method. In the majority of sampling stations, copper's chemical speciation followed the following order: residual > oxidisable-organic > exchangeable > acid reducible, while zinc's and lead's chemical speciation followed the following pattern: residual > oxidisable-organic > acid reducible > exchangeable. The results of Pearson's correlation studies demonstrated a substantial association between Zn concentration in the tissues of green mussels and total Zinc, exchangeable (F1), acid-reducible (F2), and residual (F4) Zn in surface sediment. Green mussel Cu content and surface sediment Cu of exchangeable (F1), residual (F4), and total Cu were found to correlate. As a result, green mussels are being used as a biomonitoring agent for heavy metal contamination on the eastern side of the Straits of Johor in Malaysia.