Abstract
The presence of two endemic Sargassum spp., Sargassum filipendula and Sargassum vulgare, along the eastern coasts of Trinidad and Tobago were investigated to assess the pollution status of those localities. Heavy metal and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAHs) concentrations in these marine organisms were determined. Average concentrations of Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn were 4.59, 5.05, 744.98, 69.10, 8.33, 8.59, and 24.30 μg g−1 (dry wt.) in S. filipendula and 1.81, 8.82, 114.11, 24.18, 9.84, 7.05, and 119.46 μg g−1 (dry wt.) in S. vulgare, respectively. Metal pollution indices were established for each location. Total PAH concentrations (Σ16 PAHs) ranged from 287.4 ng g−1 in S. filipendula (Mayaro) to 605.1 ng g−1 in S. vulgare (Speyside). The use of PAH diagnostic ratios, principal component analysis, and cluster analysis were used for source identification of PAHs in each of the Sargassum spp. from the various regions. It was concluded that these Sargassum spp. can be utilized as biomarkers for heavy metals and PAHs in the surrounding waters of Trinidad and Tobago.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
