Sources and Accumulation of Trace Metals in Sediments and the Asiatic Clam,'Corbicula fluminea' in Two South Carolina Watersheds

摘要

A survey of trace element concentrations in the benthic bivalve, Corbiculafluminea, was conducted on the Santee-Cooper River Basin, S.C. from 1989-1991 as part of a nonpoint source water quality assessment. Trace metal concentrations in clam tissues were examined in relation to temporal and spatial variations in river water and sediment. It was found that C. fluminea was a suitable bio-indicator for monitoring trace metal inputs within the basin. Solute concentrations of Cd, Cu and Zn underwent appreciable accumulation as demonstrated by strong solute vs. tissue correlations and high bioconcentration factors. Conversely, the bioavailability of trace elements to C. fluminea was not necessarily related to sediment concentrations, as correlations were not observed between trace elements in sediment and clam tissue. The differences in the bioavailability of metals observed between the watersheds was likely a function of physicochemical factors affecting the partitioning of metals between the water and sediment compartments.