loaded compared with the other sites, and were contaminated
in both autumn and winter seasons (exceeding the Algerian
permissible limit). This may be related to the intense maritime
traffic and port activities because Pb is present in gasoline
petrol as an antidetonant (Blasco and Puppo, 1999). In addition, the long stay duration of boats due to difficult transport
conditions and the maintenance works in the port may increase the risk of Pb contamination. In terms of Cd, significantly high levels were detected in mussels of Sercouf. This
result could be attributed to prominent releases of detergent,
painting, battery, and PVC factories working in both industrial
zones of Reghaia and Rouiba. Mussels at Figuier site reflected
Fig. 7 (continued)
Environ Sci Pollut Res