Heavy Metals Baseline Concentrations in Soft Tissues of Patella Sp. From the Stratoni Coastal Environment, Ne Greece / Bazowy Poziom Zanieczyszczeń Metalami Ciężkimi W Tkankach Miękkich Patella Sp. Występujących W Przybrzeżnych Obszarach Stratoni, Grecja

Species of the limpet Patella sp. were collected from a typical control coastal site (Artemida) and a metal contaminated marine environment (Stratoni), situated in Greece. The soft tissues were analyzed for their heavy metal (Pb, Zn, Mn, Cu, Ni, Cr) content by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy. High Pb, Zn and Cu concentrations were determined in limpet samples from Stratoni, which can be attributed to geological-mineralogical factors due to the natural heavy metal elevated substrate of the broader mineralized area. In contrast, concentrations of Mn, Ni and Cr in both areas are comparable to those reported for other non-polluted geographical regions of the Mediterranean area. Considering the refurbishment of the Stratoni port that will accompany the new large scale mining operations, these results provide a preliminary baseline metal level in these organisms, by which future local changes could be assessed. It is suggested that the species of Pattella sp. are appropriate to be used for biomonitoring research and should be included in routine monitoring programs regarding the Stratoni marine ecosystem. Further studies of metal levels in limpets of Patella sp. from the Stratoni area including the investigation of the possible effects of seasonal changes on metal concentrations and distribution are required.