Comparative Study of the Accumulation of Ni in Different Tissues of Mussels and Soft Clams

¹ Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and of Biochemical Processes, Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, Technological Education Institution of Crete, 3 Romanou, PO BOX 89, 73103 Chania, Crete, GREECE
² Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimioupoli Zografou, 15771, Athens, GREECE

^a lydakis@chania.teicrete.gr
^b edasenak@chem.uoa.gr
^c ochalkiadaki@chem.uoa.gr
^d vparask@chem.uoa.gr

Abstract

Two bivalves, the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis, and the soft clam Callista chione were exposed to various Ni concentrations for a total period of 20 days, and then a depuration period of 10 days followed. Nickel accumulation in gills, mantle and the remaining body of the animals was measured after 5, 10, 15 and 20 days of exposure to Ni-contaminated seawater. The two organisms showed different behavior regarding Ni accumulation in all three tissues examined. In all concentrations, Ni accumulation increased with time in all three tissues of Mytilus galloprovincialis with gills being the most effective accumulator per dry mass. On the other hand, Callista chione showed an initial response to Ni contamination the first 5 days, followed by stabilization or even a slight decrease of Ni accumulation.