EVALUACIÓN DE LA BIOACUMULACIÓN DE PLOMO Y CADMIO EN Anadara tuberculosa EN UN ESTUARIO COSTERO DE ECUADOR

This study evaluated the concentrations of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) in the soft tissues of Anadara tuberculosa, a bivalve mollusk of socio-economic relevance, collected in the estuary of the Chone River, Manabí Province (Ecuador). A total of 30 specimens were analyzed, obtained from authorized artisanal harvesters under formal mangrove stewardship agreements. The samples were processed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), yielding Pb concentrations between 0.011 and 0.028mg/kg and Cd concentrations between 0.259 and 0.354mg/kg. Both metals were below the maximum limits established by Regulation (EU) 2023/915. In addition, a statistically significant positive correlation was identified between in dividual length and metal concentrations, indicating the occurrence of bioaccumulation processes. Although the detected levels do not represent an immediate toxicological risk for human consumption, the continuous presence of these metals suggests chronic exposure, likely associated with diffuse sources of contamination in the study area. The results confirm the usefulness of A. tuberculosa as an effective bioindicator of metal contamination and provide a baseline for future ecotoxicological assessments in tropical coastal environments. The establishment of integrated monitoring systems is recommended, as well as the strengthening of participatory resource management, under a precautionary approach aimed at biodiversity conservation.