title: Monitoring bio-available marine contaminants with mussels (Mytilus edulis L) in the Netherlands.
abstract: After discussing the usefulness of mussels (e.g. Mytilus edulis) for investigating contamination in the marine environment, four cases are presented: (1) A survey of Cu bioavailability in and around the Eastern Scheldt during one winter (1974-1975); (2) A surveillance with a six years interval (1974; 1980) of the bioavailability of Zn along the Dutch North Sea coast. (3) A monitoring programme over the period 1972-1980 showing the decrease in bioavailable Hg in the water column of the Ems-Dollard estuary after decreased emissions at Delfzijl. (4) Retrospective monitoring of two PCB's, as a background for the effectiveness of legal restrictions to PCB use. These four cases are considered a first step in understanding the effects of pollutants in marine ecosystems. In depth physiological, histological and biochemical studies could lay the basis for improved routine biological effect monitoring.
authors.affiliation: TNO, P.O. Box 217, 2600 AE, Delft, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: W C
authors.initials: WC
authors.lastname: De Kock