Abstract:

The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of geographical origin, growing season, and variety on
the contents of metal nutrient elements in clams, and to analyze the relationships of the contents of metal nutrient elements in
clams with those in sediment or seawater. Samples of Ruditapes philippinarum, sediment, and seawater were collected from
the coasts of Qingdao, Nantong, and Dalian while samples of Meretrix meretrix were obtained from the coast of Nantong in
May and September 2014, separately, for the determination of metal nutrient elements. The data obtained were analyzed by
analysis of variance and Pearson correlation analysis. The results showed that the contents of Mg, K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu, and
Zn in clams were affected by geographical origin; the contents of Ca, Cu, and Zn were influenced by growing season; and
the contents of Mg, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu, and Zn were affected by variety. In addition, the contents of Na, Mg, Ca, Co, and Cu in
clams were significantly associated with those in sediment but no significant correlation existed between clams and seawater
for the 10 elements. This study indicated that the contents of metal nutrient elements in clams were affected by geographical
origin, season, and variety. Their sources included sediment and seawater as well as others.

Key words: clam, metal nutrient elements, geographical origin, season, variety, sediment, seawater