To reveal the enrichment patterns of marine pollutants in fish and shellfish and clarify their indicative value in assessing marine ecological health, this study selected representative fish and shellfish with diverse feeding habits and habitat water layers as research subjects in typical nearshore marine areas. Systematic detection of heavy metals, persistent organic pollutants, and microplastics was conducted. Through field sampling, standardized laboratory analysis, and multivariate statistical analysis, the study explored the enrichment levels, tissue distribution, and spatiotemporal variation characteristics of pollutants, identifying key factors influencing the enrichment process. Based on the analytic hierarchy process and entropy weight method, core indicator organisms and metrics were screened to establish a "enrichment-physiological-population" three-dimensional indicator system, which was validated for its effectiveness in assessing marine ecological health using the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method. The results showed that pollutant concentrations in fish and shellfish exhibited significant spatiotemporal heterogeneity and species-specific variations. Industrial-adjacent areas had significantly higher enrichment levels than aquaculture zones and nature reserves, while carnivorous species demonstrated stronger enrichment capacity than herbivorous and omnivorous species. Background pollutant concentrations in marine areas and species' feeding habits were identified as the primary drivers of enrichment. The selected hairtail and Manila clam were identified as core indicator organisms for regional marine ecological health, and the established assessment system accurately characterized ecological health levels across different functional zones. This study enriches marine indicator organism research theory and provides a scientific basis for optimizing nearshore marine ecological monitoring networks and implementing precise pollution control.

Zhenlei Lyu, Wenhao Xie. Characteristics of Pollutant Accumulation in Fish and Shellfish and Indicative Role on the Ecological Health of Surrounding Marine Areas. Academic Journal of Environment & Earth Science (2026), Vol. 8, Issue 1: 25-31. https://doi.org/10.25236/AJEE.2026.080104.

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