Global Journal of Environmental Research 2 (2): 87-91, 2008 ISSN 1990-925X © IDOSI Publications, 2008 Coressponding Author: Ms. Devagi Kanakaraju, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Resource Science and Technology, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, 94300 Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia 87 Comparative Study of Heavy Metal Concentrations in Razor Clam (Solen regularis) in Moyan and Serpan, Sarawak Devagi Kanakaraju, Fazira Ibrahim and Mohd Nazli Berseli Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Resource Science and Technology, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, 94300 Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia Abstract: Heavy metal levels were investigated in different tissues of razor clam (Solen regularis) and sediments collected from Moyan and Serpan, Sarawak. Analysis of elements, Cd, Mn, Fe, Cr and Cu were carried out in soft tissues, gills, siphon, foot and whole tissues of razor clams ( Solen regularis) using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (FAAS). Accumulation pattern in different organs varied with metals and sampling sites. Fe occurred in elevated concentration in sediments (741.8-989.0 mg/kg) and this was also reflected in razor clams (Solen regularis). Siphon and foot recorded highest Fe at Moyan and Serpan respectively. Concentration of Mn did not show no major variations in the organs analyzed at both sampling sites. It was found to be highest in gill (92.5mg/kg) at Moyan and siphon (77.3 mg/kg) at Serpan. The levels of Cr in razor clams (Solen regularis) ranged between 22.4 and 36.7 mg/kg and 26.1 and 34.4 mg/kg at Moyan and Serpan respectively. Cu in razor clams varied from 5.2 - 8.1 mg/kg at Moyan and 5.6 - 12.4 mg/kg at Serpan. Cd was found to be in the least concentration both in sediments (0.7-3.0 mg/kg) and razor clams (0.5-1.2 mg/kg). Statistical analysis showed no significant difference (P>0.05) in metal concentrations in razor clams between Moyan and Serpan. The bioaccumulation factor (BAFs) of Cd, Fe, Cr Cu and Mn in whole tissue of razor clam in relative to mean metal concentrations in sediments was measured. The BAFs results revealed the following descending orders: Cr > Fe > Mn > Cd > Cu. The discrepancy in heavy metal concentrations found in razor clam could be due to the environmental conditions and biological cycle. Keywords: Metals Tissue Razor clam Sediment Accumulation INTRODUCTION for heavy metals pollution due to their ability to Razor clam (Solen spp) is a commercial species feeding bivalves capable to accumulate heavy metals which can be found in estuarine sand flats of Sarawak. in their tissues and numerous studies were attributed The intertidal sandy bars along the beaches in Muara for this purpose. Blue mussel Mytillus edulis, Manila Tebas, Asajaya Laut, Sambir, Buntal, Moyan and clam Ruditapes philippinarum, and Asiatic clam have Serpan are well-known harvesting sites in Sarawak. been utilized for heavy metals pollution monitoring in Razor clams (Solen spp.) are soft bottom infaunal various countries [3-7]. The sessile natures, mode of marine bivalves with more or less narrow and long feeding, ability to accumulate contaminants from the shells, with gaps at both ends. Razor clam in Sarawak environment and availability for human consumption belongs to the genus Solen. Three types of razor clams were reported as the criteria for bivalves to act as in Solenidae family include Solen regularis, Solen indicators [8-9]. sarawakensis and Solen Digitalis [1]. This filter-feeding In contrast to wide publications which report the organism obtains some of its food from overlying water. utilization of various bivalve/mollusk a limited number The filtering organ, siphon is associated with the ability report the utilization of razor clam as biomonitor for heavy of feeding by passing water through structures retain metals pollution. Study done by Peerzada et al. [10] particles according to size and shape [2]. revealed that accumulation of manganese in razor clam Marine organisms such as oysters, mussels, cockle was the highest compared to other types of clams and and clams have been widely employed as biomonitors oysters studied and suggested that it could be used as accumulate metals without harming themselves. Filter