The Malaysian Journal of Analytical Sciences Vol 12 No 1 (2008): 53 – 58

 

 

HEAVY METAL CONCENTRATIONS IN THE RAZOR CLAMS (SOLEN SPP) FROM MUARA TEBAS, SARAWAK

 

Devagi Kanakaraju, Connie anak Jios. and Shabdin Mohd Long

 

Faculty of Resource Sciences and Technology, University of Malaysia Sarawak,

94300 Kota Samarahan, Sarawak

 

Abstract

The razor clams (Solen spp) or locally known as ‘ambal’ in Sarawak collected from Muara Tebas were  studied for their heavy metals contents in tissues and shells. Sediment samples were also tested for their metal contents. Concentrations of Pb, Fe, Zn, Cu, Cd and Mn were determined by using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (FAAS). Tissues of razor clams showed highest concentrations of Fe and Zn, while shells accumulated highest  concentrations of Pb and Mn. The lowest metal concentrations found were Cu and Cd. In general, the levels of metals in ‘ambal’ were within the permissible limit recommended by international standard, the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO). However, the study revealed that the sediments at Muara Tebas fall under the category of slightly polluted (for Pb) when compared to  the  guidelines suggested by United States Environment Protection Agency (USEPA).

 

Keywords: razor clams, ‘ambal’ heavy metals, sediment

 

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