Accumulation and Depuration of Lead and Chromium Using Nerita lineata

This study aimed to examine the usefulness of locally found gastropod snail, Nerita lineata as suitable biomonitor for metal pollution. The accumulation and elimination of chromium (Cr) and lead (Pb) was examined by exposing N. Lineata to different concentrations of Pb (1-4ppm) and Cr (12-15 ppm) under controlled laboratory conditions. The experiments were allowed for four days of accumulation (24-96 hr) and four days of depuration (120-196 hr). The samples were taken out every 24 hour for metal analysis. There was gradual increase with exposure time for Pb indicating higher retention of Pb in tissues of N. Lineata and the concentration decreased over time during depuration. However, the accumulation and depuration trends of Cr were not consistent. The findings obtained suggest that N. Lineata showed ability to stand high Pb exposure and can be considered as suitable species for biological monitoring in aquatic environments.