Trace elements in cultured mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis L., 1819) at the submerged longline system in The Sinop Inner Harbour (Black Sea)

The study was achieved between March 2009 and March 2010 at the Sinop Inner Harbor on cultured mussels at the offshore submerged longline system. The samples of mussels, sediment and sea water were monthly sampled for the purpose of monitoring differences of metal contents. Cd, Cu, Pb ve Zn in samples were found. The trace elements (Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn) in samples were measured with ICP-AES device. In addition, monthly temperature, total particulate matter (TPM), particulate organic matter (POM), particulate inorganic matter (PIM), pH, dissolved oxygen and salinity in physico-chemical quality parameters of sea water were measured. However, burnable organic matter (BOM) in sediment samples and meat yield (%) of mussel samples were monthly determined. According to the obtained data, temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, pH, TPM, POM, PIM and BOM were found as 14.48±1.71°C, 17.56±0.07?, 7.00±0.62 mg/L, 8.59±0.05 11.99±0.48, 4.81±0.39, 7.18±0.29 and 8.60% respectively. Mean meat yield in mussels were 23.36%. The determined data showed that mean trace elements in TPM were found as Cd: 0.052 mg/kg, Cu: 0.737 mg/kg, Pb: 0.638 mg/kg, Zn: 119.997 mg/kg; in sediment samples were found as Cd: 5.949 mg/kg, Cu: 19. 454 mg/kg, Pb: 7.881 mg/kg, Zn: 41.876 mg/kg; in mussels samples were found as Cd: 1.182 mg/kg, Cu: 4.774 mg/kg, Pb: 1.081 mg/kg, Zn: 84.730. The statistical analyses of data showed that there were differences between seasonal metals value. The obtained data of this study were discussed in comparison with national and international limit values. Consequently, these results should be taken into consideration when thinking commercial mussel farming in Sinop Inner Harbour.