Heavy metal accumulation in the gastropod, Cerithium scabridum L., from the Kuwait Coast

An in-depth study on various locations along the Kuwait Coast differentiated by the nature of coastal topography, human habitation and industrialization was made during the year 1995-1997 in relation to the gills of the gastropod, Cerithium scabridum, a bio-indicator of heavy metal pollution. The maximum concentration of heavy metals in the gills of C. scabridum, seawater and particulate matter was observed in Stations III when compared to the metal concentrations in the other seven stations. Co-efficient Variance (CV) revealed an increase in the accumulation of Cu and Pb in gills, seawater and particulate matter in winter than in summer. However, the CV was noted to be lower in winter than in summer in the case of Cr and V, in gills of C. scabridum and Ni in the case of seawater samples. Further, by ANOVA, except V, significant relationships were noted between the heavy metals (Cu, Cr, Pb and Ni) and various locations in the gills of C. scabridum.