Giant African land snails (Achatina achatina and Archachatina marginata) as bioindicator of heavy metal pollution

It is important to always monitor the bioaccumulation potential for heavy metals by organisms especially edible ones, assess their risk human health. This study evaluated of in shell and soft tissues snails. Forty snails each were purchased from Ikire Ore towns. The snails’ shells, feet, digestive tracts glands analysed using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. results showed that concentration varied with location species snail. Archachatina marginata accumulated higher concentrations than A. Ikire. Pb Achatina achatina Ikire, Cd are slightly above FAO/WHO permissible limits. Foot bioaccumulated more while gland marginata. concluded at some levels toxic metals. capable being used as a sentinel physiological biochemical imbalances living arising accumulation   Key words: Bioaccumulation, metal pollution, snails, achatina,