Journal Article

Heavy metal bioaccumulation in polymesoda erosa: a study on size variability and environmental source preferences

Do, Huu Tuan, Thi, Lan Anh Phan

2026

Overview

Polymesoda erosa inhabits mangrove forests and serves as a food source for local people. However, the accumulation of heavy metals in P. erosa may pose potential risks to consumers. This study aimed to investigate the bioaccumulation of heavy metals in P. erosa across small, medium, and big sizes and to assess the preference of environmental accumulation sources. Heavy metals were analyzed in the tissue of P. erosa : As, Se, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Mo, Ag, Cd, Sn, Ba, and Pb. Bioaccumulation factors (BAF) were used to examine the bioaccumulation behavior. The results showed that Zn had the highest concentration in P. erosa for all sizes: small (11.13 mg·kg⁻¹), medium (13.54 mg·kg⁻¹), and big (13.69 mg·kg⁻¹). The total amount of accumulated heavy metals increased with P. erosa sizes, with values of 0.0655 mg, 0.2554 mg, and 0.5533 mg for small, medium, and big sizes, respectively. Although accumulated heavy metals were different in sizes, Bioaccumulation ratio of P. erosa was approximately 0.02 mg of heavy metals per gram of tissue for all 3 sizes. P. erosa was found to absorb more heavy metals from the water than from the sediment. In addition, target hazard quotient values (THQ > 1) indicated a potential non-carcinogenic health risk to consumers.