Accumulation of Trace Metal in Sediment and Soft Tissue of Strombus canarium in a Tropical Remote Island of Thailand

The present study determined the metal levels in surface sediment and in soft tissue of the Strombus canarium at Libong Island, Thailand, and estimated the possible risk from consuming the shellfish. The mean concentrations of the metals Fe, Cu, Co, Pb, Mn, and Ni in sediment were 2711.94 +/- 1424.83, 0.47 +/- 0.37, 0.11 +/- 0.09, 1.32 +/- 1.48, 40.41 +/- 16.12, and 2.75 +/- 4.04 mu g/g, respectively, and are below the sediment quality guidelines. The enrichment factor (EF) and geoaccumulation index (Igeo) showed that the sediment conditions ranged from no pollution to moderate contamination. The mean concentrations in Strombus canarium had rank order Fe > Mn > Cu > Ni > Co > Pb. The bioaccumulation (BSAF) suggests that the Strombus canarium accumulated Cu and Co the most. The estimated daily intakes of these metals through shellfish consumption were below the oral reference dose (Rfd) and the calculated target hazard quotients (THQ) were less than 1. The results from this study inform about the background levels of metals in the sediment and in Strombus canarium species at Libong Island. In addition, these data might help ensure that the consumption of shellfish in this area remains safe.

Automated summary

This study assessed metal levels in sediment and Strombus canarium at Libong Island, Thailand, finding that metal concentrations were below sediment quality guidelines and consumption of shellfish in the area is safe. The study provides background levels of metals and potential risks associated with consuming shellfish.