CONCENTRATION OF ARSENIC IN BLUE MUSSELS (MYTILUS-EDULIS) FROM THE BELGIAN COAST

In the period 1986-1991 mussels were collected each year (except 1987) from three jetties along the Belgian coast. A positive regression between the length of the mussels and the arsenic concentration was found. In the western and middle parts of the coast, arsenic levels increased significantly during the past five years (up to 25 % per year). There was also a decreasing concentration gradient from west to east. The reasons for these differences are not clear. On the other hand, arsenic concentrations recorded in the present work are in the same range as those reported in other areas i.e. 4.5 to 12 mg/kg dry weight and can be considered as normal.