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Journal of Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems, Vol. 14 No. 3, 2026.

Original scientific paper

https://doi.org/10.13044/j.sdewes.d14.0706

Mercury Levels Monitoring in Selected Marine Biota in Vlora Bay, Albania

Alma Shehu ; University of Tirana, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Tirana, Albania
Edlira Baraj ; Polytechnic University of Tirana, Faculty of Physical Engineering and Mathematics, Tirana, Albania
Majlinda Vasjari ; University of Tirana, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Tirana, Albania
Kledi Xhaxhiu ; University of Tirana, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Tirana, Albania
Tomas Pluhacek ; Palacky University of Olomouc, Faculty of Science, Olomouc, Czech Republic
Dhimiter Bello ; Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences, Massachusetts, United States
Petrit Kotori ; Reald University, Vlora, Albania
Nensi Isak ; University of Tirana, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Tirana, Albania
Besnik Baraj ; University of Tirana, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Tirana, Albania

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Abstract

Coastal environments affected by historical industrial activity may accumulate mercury in marine organisms and pose risks to ecosystems and human consumers. The study was motivated by the need to assess whether legacy contamination continues to influence marine biota in the coastal area of Vlora Bay. It was hypothesised that mercury concentrations in selected molluscs and commonly consumed fish species reflect spatial differences in environmental contamination within the bay. Samples of two mollusc species and twelve fish species were collected from several locations and analysed for mercury concentration in tissue using standard laboratory procedures. The results showed low mercury levels in most organisms, with the lowest values recorded at the cleanest station and higher levels observed near the area influenced by past industrial activity. At the same time, fish concentrations remained below recommended limits for human consumption. These findings indicate a limited current risk for moderate consumers, confirm the persistence of localised contamination, and highlight the importance of regular environmental monitoring.

Keywords

Mercury; Vlora Bay; Mytilus Galloprovincialis; Patella Caerulea; Fishes.

Hrčak ID:

351020

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/351020

Publication date:

14.9.2026.

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