| Hmmm...very interesting question. I will try to find an answer...have some articles about the use of bivalves as pollutant bio-indicators, but those I remember reading have always concerned themselves with the use of the oyster's flesh and never the shell. This could be due to the fact that it is much easier to produce a "pulp" from flesh (for analysis) than from shell, but maybe the natural biomineralization of metals in the shell does not accomodate these pollutants. Porphyrins are metallo-proteins that are a part in natural pearl coloring, but I have never heard or read about a mercury or cadmium based porphyrin, most are iron and copper based.
My first guess is that it is not an issue...let me see if I can find more information.
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Douglas McLaurin, M.Sc. Aquaculture
Perlas del Mar de Cortez
Guaymas, Sonora, Mexico
perlas.com.mx
The Pearl is a Harsh Mistress...and I am its Humble Servant |