Abstract

Hayette Beldi, Frédéric Gimbert, Samuel Maas, Renaud Scheifler, Noureddine Soltani

Seasonal variations in the concentrations of four trace heavy metals (cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn)) were determined in Donax trunculus (Mollusca, Bivalvia) at two contaminated sites in the gulf of Annaba (East of Algeria): El Battah and Sidi Salem . The average concentrations of the metals exhibited the following order: Zn>Cu> Pb>Cd for the two sites. The statistical analysis revealed a significant effect of seasons for all metals measured, the highest values being recorded in winter for Zn and in summer for the other metals. Contrary to expectation, both sites were contaminated with trace heavy metals analysed. Although the highest levels were detected in Sidi Salem beach, there was no significant difference on trace heavy metal concentrations between sites, except for Cd. The implication of this metal contamination for local population was discussed.