Concentrations of Heavy Metals in Different Parts of the Byssus of Perna Viridis

The phenomenon of metal distribution and redistribution due to contamination is becoming interesting in the literature. In this study, the distribution of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn were determined in different parts (root, byssus stem, two regions of byssal threads [proximal and distal] and attachment plaque) of the byssus of the green-lipped mussel Perna viridis collected from a metal-contaminated site at Kg. Pasir Puteh and an uncontaminated site at Kuala Belungkor. Despite different metal contamination levels as indicated by the heavy metal concentrations in the sediments, the attachment plaque recorded the highest levels of Cd and Zn when compared to the other parts of the byssus and the soft tissue. Generally, heavy metal levels in most parts of the byssus were elevated in contaminated mussels when compared to those in uncontaminated mussels. This phenomenon indicated metal redistribution in the different parts of byssus due to metal contamination. Different binding affinities due to different protein compositions is believed to be the reason for the different heavy metal levels found in the different parts of the byssus.