Correlation of Element Records in Aragonitic Bivalve Shells of <i>Ceratoderma</i> As Environmental Proxies

Abstract The correlation of 60 elements recorded in aragonitic bivalve shells of Ceratoderma was tested to identify the trends of their availability in coastal areas of the southwest Caspian Sea in order to more efficiently assess them as a proxy of pollution. An inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) (Agilent 8900-Agilent Technologies, Palo Alto, CA, USA) was used for their quantification. A multi-variate cluster test was used to check the similarity of the elements in the clade membership. The results of this study show highly significant positive and negative correlations among the elements in aragonitic bivalve shells of Ceratoderma as a bio-indicator part of an aquatic organism. This would be helpful for saving time and cost especially when utilized as environmental proxies.