Abstract: In this article, the current status of heavy metal contamination in shellfish is reported. The commonly-used methods for the detection and removal of heavy metals are summarized, mainly including atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), atomic fluorescence spectrometry (AFS), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) and anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV). The major methods for removing heavy metals are supercritical fluid extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction and heavy metal toxicity degradation.

Key words: shellfish, heavy metal, detection, removal