Distribution of Heavy Metals and Herbicides in the Cephalopod, Viscera and Shell of the Snail Achatina achatina

Abstract

Every day, several contaminants are released into the environment. The purpose of this chapter is to determine the concentrations of heavy metals (Lead, Cadmium, Mercury, Zinc, Copper) and glyphosate in the cephalopod, viscera, and shell of the Achatina achatina snail species in order to find the areas where pollutants obtain the highest. The present study took place in the Nawa region of south-western Côte d'Ivoire. Heavy metals and glyphosate levels in Achatina achatina samples were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry and high-performance liquid chromatography, respectively. The outcomes demonstrate that lead (0,64 mg/kg), copper (0,45 mg/kg) and zinc (1,165 mg/kg) accumulate the most in the shell. On the other hand, glyphosate and cadmium accumulate most in the cephalopod (1,03 and 0,13 mg/kg respectively) and in the viscera (1,01 and 0,14 mg/kg respectively). Contamination of the snail with heavy metals and glyphosate would certainly cause adverse effects on human health and the environment.