LEVEL OF TOTAL ARSENIC AND MERCURY IN SELECTED BIVALVE SPECIES FROM MELAKA AND PAHANG STATES OF MALAYSIA

Abstract

Arsenic and mercury levels in marine organisms are critical environmental and public health concerns. These toxic elements can accumulate in bivalves and pose significant consumer risks. Monitoring of these elements is essential to ensure the safety of seafood consumption. In this study cockles, clams and mussels were collected from Melaka and Pahang states for the determination of total arsenic and total mercury levels. The bivalve tissues were digested using microwave digester and analyzed using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). The total arsenic in the bivalve samples ranged between 0.85 ± 0.04 mg kg^-1 and 1.60 ± 0.27 mg kg^-1. Meanwhile, the total mercury in the bivalve samples was from 0.004 ± 0.002 to 0.007 ± 0.002 mg kg^-1. The result of the elements was compared with the local and global guidelines. This research provides the latest information for food safety and risk assessment studies in the regional and national levels.