Metals/metalloid in Marine Sediments, Bioaccumulating in Macroalgae and a Mussel

Abstract

The aim of the present work is to broaden our knowledge on the variability of metals and metalloid concentration levels in surface sediments, macroalgae and mollusc. Accordingly, As, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, and Zn levels in surface sediments, marine macroalgae species (Ulva intestinalis and Ceramium rubrum) and mollusk (mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis) collected from nine stations along the Surmene Bay, Black Sea, Turkey, have been investigated using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Hence, higher concentration levels of As, Cu, Mn, Pb and Zn have been recorded in the sediments and macroalgae collected from the harbor area, largely exceeding those recorded in previous studies carried out in the Turkish Black Sea. Consequently, sampled sediments from such area have revealed the highest Contamination Factor (Cf) values as well as the highest Contamination Degree (CD) levels, signaling higher ecological risks. Furthermore, U. intestinalis has shown higher accumulation capacity than C. rubrum and M. galloprovincialis. The Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) and the Hazard Index (HI) have been carried out in order to evaluate the non-carcinogenic health risks posed by metals/metalloid via M. galloprovincialis consumption, revealing values below 1 for all sampling sites, indicating thus no adverse effects on human health.