The occurrence of traces
elements (V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Hg, Sb, As, Tl, Pb, Sn, U and Se) in
individuals of Helix aspersa from five sites of Campania region was
studied. They are representative primary consumers in the terrestrial ecosystem
and useful key indicator species to evaluate the environmental impact of
chemicals on our lands. Each sample was analyzed by inductively coupled
plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS)
after a microwave assisted digestion procedure. Sentinel snails allowed
us to have information about the bioavailability of these elements into the
environment similar in the main part of the regional land. Results indicated
that elemental concentrations in all snail samples were significantly low. But within the five selected
areas, the amount for each element
was higher in the area of Caserta. Even though maximum admissible limits from
European regulation are not even defined for these matrices, the area of
Caserta represents a territory where environmental contamination may represent
a high risk for human and animal health.
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