Laurencia nipponica: New insight on the dependence-factors of element accumulation in iron-enriched seaweed from Mashike, Hokkaido

Abstract

The present study aims to provide novel information on elemental correlation in specific macroalgae species. We evaluated the accumulation pattern of various elements (Fe, Al, As, Ba, Cd, Cu, Cr, Co, Mn, and Zn) in Laurencia nipponica (Yamada), collected at different distances from the shoreline on the Betsukari coastline. Fe and Al accumulation patterns in L. nipponica were unique and were found to affect the accumulation of other trace elements. Our findings suggest that Fe and Al accumulation is linearly related to the accumulation of essential elements in L. nipponica. Using a Pearson’s correlation and Principal Component Analysis, a relationship was identified between environmental conditions (low total organic carbon and turbidity, but high chlorophyll and electroconductivity) and an increase in the accumulation of essential elements in L. nipponica and a reduction in the accumulation of non-biological or toxic elements. Hence, element accumulation may be dependent on environmental conditions. This study highlights the potential of L. nipponica as a biomarker to identify metal accumulation in the Fe-enriched artificial reef of the Mashike shoreline. This first report elucidates the correlation between inter-species elements and provides valuable insight into the using L. nipponica as an elemental biomarker in Fe-enriched artificial reefs.