Heavy Metals In Mytilus chilensis from the Strait of Magallenes (Chile)

摘要

The behaviour of heavy metals in the marine environment depends on several factors such as salinity, pH, and organic matter. Urban and industrial activities in coastal areas introduce significant amounts of trace metals into the marine environment, causing permanent disturbances in marine ecosystems, leading to environmental and ecological degradation (Berrow, 1991). Heavy metals have ecological significance due to their toxicity and cumulative behaviour, play a prominent role in marine ecosystems, and constitute a potential hazard for humans and other mammals. However, heavy metals are natural constituents of the marine environment and some are biologically essential.