Accumulation of mercury in sediment and bivalves from Cua Dai estuary, Hoi An city

Abstract

The paper presents the research results of accumulation of Mercury in sediment and two bivalves species: Heamolymph Clam (Meretrix meretrix) and Clam (Corbicula sp.) from Cua Dai estuary, Hoi An city. The average concentration of Hg in sediments is 0.145 ± 0.052 μg/g, under allowed limit by the PELS standard (Canada) (≤ 0.7 μg/g). Content of Hg accumulated in the tissues of Meretrix meretrix is 0.073 ± 0.045 μg/g and H is 0.066 ± 0.044 μg/g, lower than the allowed standard of the Ministry of Health. Concentration of Hg in sediments and tissues of Meretrix meretrix is positive correlation, at "medium correlation” (r = 0.311, Pvalue = 0.415), while for Corbicula sp. is lower correlation, with "weak correlation” (r = 0.138, Pvalue = 0.722). Results show that, at Cua Dai estuary (city of Hoi An), Meretrix meretrix can be used as bioindicator species for Hg pollution.