Patella vulgata l: an ecological study in relation to marine pollution by heavy metals

An attempt has been made to ascertain the validity of the use of a culittoral mollusc - P.vulgata L., - as a monitor of inshore pollution. To this end, the biogeochemical composition of this organism has been investigated at one site, in relation to its size, habitat on the shore and season of collection. A further study has been undertaken at several sites covering a variety of conditions of salinity, degree of exposure, type of bedrock and intensity of man-made pollution. The results of these studies indicate that there is an advantage in choosing this organism for work of this kind as it has shown a marked ability to "sample" the total geochemistry of its environment. It should be noted however, that this ability could distort the overall interpretation of comparative studies unless there are both a standardized sampling technique and a detailed knowledge of the local geology.