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Combined effect of body size, season, and location on trace element levels in mussels (Mytilus edulis)

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Abstract

Specimens ofMytilus edulis (mussels) were collected at one-month intervals over a one-year period from two locations in Burrard Inlet, British Columbia, Canada and less frequently from other locations in the S.W. region of B.C., and analyzed for concentrations of Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Br, Pb, and Sr using X-ray energy spectroscopy. Size and condition of the mussels were recorded at the same time. The data were analyzed using multiple linear regression with size and season as predictor variables and trace metal contents as criterion variables. The values of the regression coefficients changed according to whether or not the mussels were collected from a polluted environment in disagreement with previously published studies. Principal component analysis of the correlation matrix of the variables yielded three principal components one of which can be used to ascertain whether or not mussels were collected from either a polluted or an unpolluted environment.

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Popham, J.D., D'Auria, J.M. Combined effect of body size, season, and location on trace element levels in mussels (Mytilus edulis). Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 12, 1–14 (1983). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01054995

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01054995

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