Search

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.