The levels of essential (Cu, Cr, Co, Mn, Se, Zn) and non-essential (As, Be, Bi, Cd, Cs, Ga, Ni, Pb, Sr, Tl, U, V) trace elements were studied in razor clams (Solen marginatus) collected from the Tyrrhenian coast of Southern Italy at five selected sites along the Domitio littoral in the Campania region. The main objectives of this study were to assess the contamination status of these bivalve mollusks and to evaluate the risks to the environment and consumers due to metal contamination. The concentrations of 18 trace elements were determined after microwave-assisted mineralization and by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Concentrations of the toxic elements Pb and Cd were below the maximum levels established by Commission Regulation (EC) 1881/2006, while higher average concentrations of arsenic were found at each of the five sites studied. Regarding the other trace elements, contamination levels followed the order: Zn > Sr > Mn > Cu > Se > Cr > V > Ni > Co > Ga > Cs > Be > U > Bi > Tl. No significant differences among the sites were found with regard to any of the trace elements analyzed, and element levels in razor clams did not reflect sediment contamination. The results demonstrated the substantial food safety of the razor clams in this area with respect to heavy metals but revealed a potential health risk due to arsenic contamination in all the areas sampled.
Keywords: Campania; metals; razor clam; risk assessment; trace elements.