Study of the bioaccumulation of trace metals in mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis, Lamarck, 1819) from the Oran coast

Title : Study of the bioaccumulation of trace metals in mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis, Lamarck, 1819) from the Oran coast

Abstract:

The existence of coastal populations, urbanizations, ports, and industrial units is essential due to their vital roles in the national and international economy. The Oran coastline is one of the most important in Algeria, so we considered it interesting to study the level of contamination at the main sites along the Oran coast.

This study examined the seasonal and spatial variations of four trace metals: zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), and lead (Pb), in the soft tissues of the mussel "Mytilus galloprovincialis" (Lamarck, 1819), collected from six coastal sites along the west coast of Algeria. This rich and ecologically diverse region is characterized by high population density and significant anthropogenic activity. Mussel samples were collected between October 2023 and June 2024.

The highest Zn concentration was recorded in summer (34.27 ppm F.W), while Cd peaked in summer (0.76 ppm F.W). Cu and Pb reached their highest values in autumn, at 0.953 ppm and 0.214 ppm F.W, respectively.

An analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed significant seasonal variation for Zn and Cd (F = 8.45, P < 0.001 and F = 6.78, P = 0.0024, respectively), particularly in spring and summer. PCA results showed strong associations between Zn, Cu, Pb, and BOD5, and Cd with temperature, while the HAC distinctly grouped sampling sites by season, particularly highlighting summer/autumn samples. The correlation matrix revealed significant relationships between Zn and Cu, Zn and Cd, and physicochemical parameters and metal concentrations, including a strong inverse correlation between Cd, Pb with dissolved oxygen.

These results highlight the role of environmental factors in metal bioaccumulation and offer important insights for coastal pollution monitoring and environmental management strategies in the Algerian west coast.

Keywords: Trace metals, physicochemicals, "Mytilus galloprovincialis",  mussel, bioaccumulation, pollution management, Algerian west coast.

Biography:

Ben Naoum Badreddine, has held a doctorate in science, specializing in environmental science, with a focus on water and the environment, since November 2025. He currently holds the position of Head of the Aquaculture and Inland Fisheries Department at the Fisheries and Aquaculture Directorate of Sidi Bel Abbes. An associate professor at Djillali Liabas University in Sidi Bel Abbes, and a researcher at the "Eco- development of Spaces Laboratory," his activities consist of monitoring coastal pollution and implementing environmental management strategies along the Algerian coastline (publications, national and international scientific conferences, etc.). His main research focuses on assessing water quality along the Oran coastline and addressing pollution, ecology, and marine biodiversity. He is involved in the creation of the artificial reef at Bousfer in Oran, in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). This is a pioneering ecological project in Algeria aimed at restoring marine biodiversity. Located in Bousfer Bay, it is scheduled for completion in 2025. In the same vein, she will participate in a short-term internship in Japan in 2023 to gain insight into the co-management of artisanal fisheries through a participatory approach.