Bioaccumulation of Selected Heavy Metals in Bivalve Molluscs from Northeastern Vietnam: Implications for Safe Seafood Utilization

Authors

  • Sinh Xuan Le

    Institute of Science and Technology for Energy and Environment, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Cau Giay District, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam

  • Bach Van Nguyen

    Institute of Science and Technology for Energy and Environment, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Cau Giay District, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam

  • Hien Thi Minh Bui

    Institute of Science and Technology for Energy and Environment, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Cau Giay District, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam

  • Nam Van Le

    Institute of Science and Technology for Energy and Environment, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Cau Giay District, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam

  • Huy Van Dinh

    Green Marine Environment Research Institute, Ngo Quyen District, Hai Phong 180000, Vietnam

  • Khuong Duy Le

    VNU School of Interdisciplinary Sciences and Arts, Vietnam National University, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam

  • Son Truong Cao

    Faculty of Natural Resources and Environment, Vietnam National University of Agriculture, Gia Lam District, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam

  • Kien Nguyen

    Viet Nam Environmental and Marine Sciences Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, Ha Dong District, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30564/re.v7i3.9805
Received: 30 April 2025 | Revised: 15 May 2025 | Accepted: 27 May 2025 | Published Online: 7 July 2025

Abstract

Rapid industrial growth, urbanization, and agricultural activities have led to the discharge of large volumes of pollutants into coastal environments, raising levels of metals such as arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg) in water and sediments. Bivalve molluscs, such as Meretrix lyrata and Saccostrea glomerata can accumulate high amounts of toxic heavy metals in their tissues that pose potential risks to human health. They are frequently used as bioindicators due to their filter-feeding behavior and high accumulation potential. This study evaluates heavy metal accumulation in bivalve molluscs from Northeastern Vietnam, including Quang Ninh Province and Hai Phong City. In this study, a systematic literature review was conducted, combined with a bibliometric analysis, to synthesize and evaluate data on heavy metal accumulation in bivalve molluscs from Northeastern Vietnam. The analysis results showed bio-concentration factors exceeding 1,000 for As, Cd, and Hg in certain species, particularly in samples from Quang Ninh Province. Meanwhile, sediment accumulation factors (BSAF) were lower, suggesting that waterborne pathways predominantly contribute to heavy metal uptake. These findings highlight significant food safety risks due to toxic metal accumulation in seafood resources, emphasizing the urgent need for continuous monitoring and the establishment of local safety standards. The study provides important scientific evidence to support marine environmental management and public health protection.

Keywords:

Heavy Metal Accumulation; Bivalve Molluscs; Coastal Pollution; Environmental Monitoring; Viet Nam

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How to Cite

Sinh Xuan Le, Bach Van Nguyen, Hien Thi Minh Bui, Nam Van Le, Huy Van Dinh, Khuong Duy Le, Son Truong Cao, & Kien Nguyen. (2025). Bioaccumulation of Selected Heavy Metals in Bivalve Molluscs from Northeastern Vietnam: Implications for Safe Seafood Utilization. Research in Ecology, 7(3), 115–134. https://doi.org/10.30564/re.v7i3.9805

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Article Type

Review(This article belongs to the Special Issue "Sustainability of Marine Environment and Ecosystems")