Trace metal bioaccumulation in Mytilus galloprovincialis from Essaouira protected coastal area (Atlantic coast of Morocco): Implications for marine ecosystem and human health

This study assessed trace metal pollution in the Essaouira protected coastal area (Atlantic coast of Morocco) using the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis as a bio-indicator and evaluated potential human health risks from mussel consumption. Samples were collected seasonally at 8:00 am from April 2017 to February 2018, and metal concentrations in mussel tissues were analyzed using ICP-AES. The metals were found in descending order: Fe > Zn > Al > Cu > Pb > Cr > Cd > Ag, with significant spatial and seasonal variations. Cluster analysis indicated different sources for the metals, with Fe, Zn, and Al linked to continental inputs and Cd, Cr, Pb, Cu, and Ag to anthropogenic sources. The pollution gradient, assessed using the Individual Multimetal Bioaccumulation Index (IMBI), showed that the area is less polluted than other Moroccan coasts. The Human health risk assessment revealed no significant risks, confirming the safety of mussel consumption from this region.