Filter-feeder bivalves such as non-indigenous Ruditapes philippinarum absorb and accumulate metals,
resulting in multi-element signatures. The goal of this study was to analyse if multi-element profiles of R.
philippinarum can discriminate between spatial and temporal patterns of estuarine bivalves’
populations.
Spatial and temporal variability patterns of chemical profiles were assessed by collecting samples of R.
philippinarum and sediment at i) three sites with different environmental and physiological conditions of
clams, ii) located within two Portuguese estuaries (Tagus and Sado estuaries) and iii) sampled at three
different occasions (May 2018, January 2019, May 2019). This sampling design hypothesized that there
are significant differences in the bivalves’ chemical profiles between estuaries, among sampling sites
and among sampling occasions. The chemical elements were categorized according to the estuarine
geomorphology sources (Se,Co, Ni and Cu), elements with function in metabolic processes of the clams
(Mn, Fe, Zn and Cr) and elements derived from the anthropogenic inputs (As, Pb and Cd). The multielement concentrations of clams’ soft tissues and sediments were obtained using a powerful analytical
technique, ICP-MS (inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry). Multivariate differences were
tested in multi-element concentrations of bivalves’ soft tissues and sediments. Results revealed that Zn,
Co, Ni and Pb were the main contributors for the chemical signatures of Tagus estuary populations,
whilst for the Sado estuary populations were Cu, Fe, Cr, As and Cd. These elements were representative
of all elemental categories and proved to be spatial and temporal habitat discriminators of bivalves’
estuarine populations. The multi-element signatures of R. philippinarum as a natural tag derived from
the physical and chemical conditions of its habitat can be considered as a potential rapid tool for
ecological biomonitoring and habitat assessment, accounting for spatial and temporal habitat
differences of estuarine populations
