HEAVY METALS (Zn, Cu, Cd, Pb) IN SOME BENTHIC INVERTEBRATE SPECIES AND IN SEDIMENT FROM THREE COASTAL AREAS IN THAILAND AND MALAYSIA

J.M. EVERAARTS AND C. SWENNEN

ABSTRACT: The concentrations of zinc. copper. cadmium and lead in sediment and benthic invertebrates. representing three phyla. from some intertidal mud-flats along the Malay Peninsula (Thailand and Malaysia) were investigated. All samples were collected in October and November 1985.

     Compared to the same type of animals from temperate latitudes. the concentrations of cadmium and lead tend to be considerably higher. whereas both the zinc and copper concentrations are the same or slightly lower.

     In the edible bivalve mollusc Anadara granosa (the bloody cockle) high concentrations of cadmium were found. whereas in Glauconome virens very high lead concentrations were measured.

     No relationship was found between the metal concentration of the sediment and the organisms.

     Patrani Bay is considerably more polluted. both in organisms and sediments. than the coastal area of Jeram and the relatively unpolluted Ao Ban Don (Bay of Surat Thani).

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Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, P.O. Box 59, 1790 AB Den Burg - Texel, The Netherlands

Received 8 July 1987