Trace heavy metals in fucus and P. vulgata along the Glamorgan Heritage Coast, South Wales

Abstract

A study of the occurrence of the heavy metals Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn in the biological indicator organisms F. vesiculosus and P. vulgata in the Glamorgan Heritage Coastal area, South Wales shows that although there is some contamination, there are no grossly high levels. Although there appear to be localized inputs of Cu and Pb at certain sites, the results correspond well with the overall pattern of pollution in the Severn Estuary. It is suggested that coastal sites may be ranked according to degree of contamination by means of a graphical method based upon heavy metal levels in P. vulgata. A comparison of the two biological species shows that P. vulgata appears to be the more sensitive indicator of heavy metal pollution.