The concentration of Cd, Cr and Pb in the following species Ameghinomya antique, Aulacomya atra and Mytilus chilensis, bivalves from Iloca, Constitucion and Pelluhue, coastal towns located in the Maule Region, Chile was determined. Representative tissue samples of each species were analysed by using atomic absorption spectroscopy with flame. Validation of methodology was carried out using a certified reference material (TORT-1). The ranges of concentrations found for Cd. Cr and Pb in the 3 species were, respectively, 0.21-4.32, 0.38-12.62 and 0.43-31.10 mg kg(-1) dry weight. In relation to the results obtained and the average of each individual metal in the different species of bivalves, Pb concentrations were found in higher levels rather than those of other metals reported by other authors in a similar work, this element constitutes a potential health hazard for the consumers of shellfish. The results were statistically evaluated for possible correlations in the content of metals in different species and in different sites of origin. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.