The Baltic Proper, Kattegat and Skagerrak

Metal concentrations in biota; Concentration of other organic contaminants in biota

The Contaminant Programme in marine biota constitutes an integrated part of the national monitoring activities in the marine environment as well as the international programmes within ICES, OSPARCOM and HELCOM. The programme is financed by the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency. Mussels are one of the most common used organisms for monitoring contaminants in biota. Adult mussels are sessile and hence it is easier to define the area the samples represent, compared to fish. Blue mussel is among the 'first choice species' recommended within the JAMP (Joint Assessment and Monitoring Programme). Blue mussels are collected from the Kattegat (Fladen, Nidingen), from the Skagerrak (Vaderoarna) and from Kvadofjarden in the Baltic Proper. The mussels are sampled in the autumn. Sampling depth varies between the sampling sites. Soft body tissue samples are analysed for lead, cadmium, copper, zinc, mercury and organo-chlorines. 1995 analyses of chromium and nickel were added. From 1995, also samples from Kvadofjarden were analysed. Hitherto, only collection and storing of samples has been carried out (since 1981) from this site. Organochlorines in blue mussels are analysed in pooled samples from each site and year whereas the trace metals are analysed in 25 individual samples per year and site (15 from 1996).

Anon (2000) Comments Concerning the National Swedish Contaminant Monitoring Programme in Marine Biota. Contaminant Research Group at the Swedish Museum of Natural History., Compiled by Anders Bignert

Geological Survey of Sweden
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