Heavy metal concentrations in Squilla Mantis (L.) (Crustacea, Stomtopoda) form the Gulf of Cadiz Evaluation of the impact of the Aznalcollar mining spill

摘要

After the Aznalcollar mining spill (25th April 1998), considerable social concern arose amongst the inhabitants of the SW Iberian Peninsula concerning the consumption of coal seafood. Squilla mantis was collected in four regions of the Gulf of Cadiz with a dual objective: to analyze the heavy metal levels or human consumption and as part of biomonitoring program. Heavy metal concentrations (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Cd and Pb) were analyzed in soft tissues and cuticle. The highest values were found in the soft tissues for zinc, copper and cadmium and in the cuticle for iron, manganese and lead.