Bioaccumulation of Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe and Pb in gastropods, Bursa spinosa and Nerita oryzarum from Uran coast, near Mumbai (India)

Bioaccumulation of five heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe, Pb) in the gastropods, Bursa spinosa and Nerita oryzarum from three stations along Uran coast (near Mumbai) was studied during 2005–2007.The coast receives discharges from the heavily industrialized and highly populated settlements. Bioaccumulation of heavy metals in Bursa spinosa followed the order Cu>Fe>Zn>Cd>Mn>Pb and Nerita oryzarum Fe>Cu>Zn>Mn>Cd>Pb. Seasonal variations in accumulation in these heavy metals in soft tissue of the gastropods were also noticed. Though the observed concentration of heavy metals in the bivalves were below the recommended limits, environmental surveillance of the creek is required for contaminant-free gastropods.