Impact of anthropogenic activities on mussel (Mytella guyanensis) in the Gulf of Paria, Trinidad

Highlights: • The distribution of pollutants in the Gulf of Paria is affected by tidal currents and sources inputs. • The Gulf of Paria is moderate to highly contaminated by TPAH. • There is high bioavailability of TPAHs and trace elements in the Gulf of Paria. • Benzo(a)pyrene, Zn and Cd contaminations in mussels were above regulatory guidelines at some of the study sites. - Abstract: This body of work demonstrated the levels of selected contaminants (as well as their potential sources), in mussels (Mytella guyanensis) - a known bio-indicator of pollution, along the west coast (Gulf-of-Paria) of Trinidad. The findings demonstrated that polyaromatic hydrocarbons levels in the mussels investigated were moderate to high (201.80–1200.08 μg/kg). Notably, benzo(a)pyrene levels (1.15–9.32 μg/kg) exceeded the European Union guidelines at various sites. The distribution of PAHs and trace elements in the Gulf of Paria are impacted by tidal currents and local source discharge. Significant risks were identified from toxic carcinogenic equivalent levels (3.01 to 22.37 μg/kg) and mutagenic equivalent levels (3.98 to 38.61 μg/kg). The concentration of trace elements, Zn (46.05–56.36 mg/kg) and Cd (0.46–1.17 mg/kg), exceeded both local and international guidelines at certain sites investigated. The analysis revealed a high bioavailability of the identified pollutants in the Gulf of Paria from industrial, urban and marine activities.