Temporal and spatial variation of trace metals in clams Tivela mactroidea along the Venezuelan coast

摘要

Bivalves have been extensively used as bioindicators to assess coastal aquatic environments, since they can accu-mulate trace metals and other substances. In recent years, the abundance of clams, Tivela mactroidea, along the coast of Venezuela has increased greatly. Only a few studies have been reported on trace metals in bivalves from Venezuela, however, such studies have not dealt with temporal varia-tions, have only considered a limited number of elements, and have mainly been undertaken in restricted area, near the mouth of the Tuy River (State of Miranda). Thus, con-sidering the wide extension of the Venezuelan coast and the fact that this species is widely consumed by local popula-tions, a more complete study on trace metal contamination was conducted.