Depuration of Trace Metals in Oyster Crassostrea gigas by Translocation
Abstract
We investigated the depuration of trace metals (Cd, Pb, Hg, Ag, Cr, Cu, Ni, Zn, and As) in the whole soft tissues of oysters Crassostrea gigas that were translocated from a relatively contaminated farm (Daeijack Island, West... [ view full abstract ]
We investigated the depuration of trace metals (Cd, Pb, Hg, Ag, Cr, Cu, Ni, Zn, and As) in the whole soft tissues of oysters Crassostrea gigas that were translocated from a relatively contaminated farm (Daeijack Island, West Sea, Korea) to a clean site (Tongyeong, South Sea, Korea) under natural field conditions. As a result, the concentration of all five metals decreased significantly. The half-lives were the shortest for Hg (4 weeks) while other metals were shown in 6 weeks (Cd, Cr), 8 weeks (Ni) and 10 weeks (Cu). After 4 weeks, the Cd concentration in soft tissues was below 2 mg/kg (the Korean threshold). Consequently, it become below the threshold of European regulation (1 mg/kg) after 10 weeks. To determine the self-cleaning ability, we compared the concentration of Cd in sea water, sediment and other organisms from a contaminated site with that in sea water, sediment and other organisms from a clean site. The result indicated that there was no obvious environmental difference between the two sites. It suggests that the self-cleaning ability might vary depending on the method of farming or feeding conditions. This study has confirmed that we can depurate trace metals in the oysters by translocation, and the depurated oysters can definitely improve not only consumer health but also health standards.
Authors
-
Minchul Yoon
(National Institute of Fisheries Science)
-
Ji-Young Kwon
(National Institute of Fisheries Science)
-
Kwang-tae Son
(National Institute of Fisheries Science)
-
Mi-ra Jo
(National Institute of Fisheries Science)
-
Woo-seok Choi
(National Institute of Fisheries Science)
-
Ji-hoe Kim
(National Institute of Fisheries Science)
-
Tae Seek Lee
(National Institute of Fisheries Science)
Topic Areas
Depuration , Heavy Metals
Session
PS-01 » Wind down - Poster Hangouts and a Beer (or two!) (17:10 - Monday, 15th May, Bailey Allen Hall)