Trace metals and 210Po (210Pb) concentrations in mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) consumed at western Anatolia.

The mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) have been evaluated for their bioavailability as biomonitors of trace and toxic elements in coastal water of western Anatolia. The levels of Fe, Cu, Zn, Pb, Br and Sr in the edible part of mussels were determined using X-ray fluorescence method during the period of September 1999-July 2000. Distribution of 210Po and 210Pb activities were measured by radiometric methods and their ratios were calculated. The activity concentrations of 210Po and 210Pb were found to vary between 52 +/- 6-1,344 +/- 108 and 6 +/- 2-167 +/- 10 Bqkg(-1) dry wt, respectively. The highest values for 210Po and 210Pb were measured in Foca mussels and also observed the highest Fe, Zn and Br concentrations in the same species. 210Po/210Pb activity ratio were derived as between 3.1 and 25.0.