EVALUATION OF THE SHELL OF THE BIVALVE MOLLUSK PERNA PERNA AS A POTENTIAL BIOINDICATOR OF SETTLEABLE ATMOSPHERIC PARTICULATE MATTER

Resumo

Metallurgical industries are major sources of particulate matter (PM) emissions, contributing to environmental contamination due to the metallic content of these particles. In Vitória, Espírito Santo (ES), Brazil, PM deposition from the Tubarão Industrial Complex affects air, soil, and water quality. This study evaluated the incorporation of metals from settleable particulate matter (SePM) into the shells of the mussel Perna perna and its potential to bioaccumulate after exposure to varying SePM concentrations. Mussels (n=360), collected from pristine areas, were acclimated and exposed for 30 days to SePM concentrations of 0, 0.01, 0.1, and 1.0 g·L⁻¹, followed by a 30-day depuration phase. Metal concentrations in shells were determined using ICP-MS after acid digestion, and shell ultrastructure was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. Results showed incorporation of metals such as V, Cr, Cu, and Zn into the shells, with As, Cd, Hg, and Pb below detection limits. Metallic particles containing Al, Ti, Mn, and Ni were also identified in shell layers. The findings suggest that P. perna shells can serve as effective bioindicators of environmental contamination by metals and metallic nanoparticles.