The Asian Clam (Corbicula fluminea) is a freshwater bivalve mollusk commonly found in polluted urban river areas. Due to their filter-feeding behavior, these clams play a significant role in accumulating pollutants, including potentially toxic elements (PTEs) such as heavy metals (e.g., mercury, lead, cadmium, arsenic) and other contaminants present in the water and sediments. Mentor Dr. Md Muzammel Hossain is actively raising awareness about the ongoing environmental and health issues associated with Asian Clam from urban river.
In polluted urban rivers, Corbicula fluminea can serve as bioindicators of environmental contamination because they readily absorb PTEs from their surroundings. While this adaptive trait makes them useful for monitoring pollution levels, it also raises concerns about their safety as a food source. Consuming clams contaminated with high concentrations of PTEs can pose serious health risks to humans, including neurological damage, kidney and liver toxicity, and increased cancer risk over time.
Furthermore, the accumulation of
PTEs in Asian Clams reflects the extent of pollution in urban river systems,
highlighting the need for regular environmental monitoring and pollution
mitigation strategies. Managing pollution levels and understanding bioaccumulation
patterns are vital for protecting public health and maintaining ecological
balance in these vulnerable aquatic ecosystems.
Details on Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 196, 1178 https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-024-13322-6.
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