Trace metal content trend of mussel Perna perna (Linnaeus, 1758) from the Atlantic Coast of Southern Brazil

The concentration assessment of Hg, Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn, Cr, Mn and Fe in marine mussels Perna perna, sampled at 15 stations along the 800 km Southern Brazilian Coast, has been carried out. Samplings were taken twice, in summer and winter of 2000. The concentrations found were lower than similar studies carried out along the Central Coast of Brazil and lower than the maximum limits permitted in bivalve molluscs designated for human consumption ( Brazilian, Spanish and Luxembourg legislation sets). The data also showed lower values compared with other regions of the world. The comparison of present data with the data obtained 10 years ago at the same stations did not show significant differences, consequently the concentrations found could be used as baseline values.