Baseline Study on the Levels of Organic Pollutants and Heavy Metals in Bivalves from the Morrocoy National Park, Venezuela

摘要

Bivalves have been extensively used as bioindicators of pollution in aquatic environments, particularly in coastal areas worldwide (e.g. Tavares et al., 1988; Sericano et al, 1990, 1993; Gold-Bouchot et al., 1993; Jaffe et al., 1995). The rationale behind the use of bivalves in monitoring programmes has been discussed in several scientific reports since the introduction of the 'Mussel Watch' concept (e.g. Goldberg et al., 1978; Phillips, 1980; Farrington et al., 1983; O'Connor et al., 1994).