Green Alga Ulva Lactuca Research Articles

A user-friendly Ulva lactuca/chitosan composite bead for mercury removal

With the latest developments in materials sciences, the use of green materials as a tool to control water pollution has become increasingly popular. In this study, the potential of the low-cost green alga Ulva lactuca andhybrid composite beads for Hg(II) removal is examined. A user-friendly method for the preparation of alga-chitosan composite beads is proposed. Hybrid Ulva lactuca/Chitosan composite beads are prepared and synthesized by physical conversion process using dropping acid-dissolved chitosan on the one hand and Ulva lactuca-chitosan beads into an alkali (NaOH) solution under optimized conditions on the other hand. The optimal condition for mercury sorption are found to be pH 4. The hybrid composite bead material shows a much higher sorption capacity of 189.144 mgHgg−1 at 93% faster rate than non-living Ulva lactuca powder. Spectroscopic and microscopic analyses were used to understand the sorption mechanism involved in metal binding. The results showed that hybrid composite promotes effectively the sorption of mercury from aqueous solution.

Utilization of green alga Ulva lactuca for sustainable production of meso-micro porous nano activated carbon for adsorption of Direct Red 23 dye from aquatic environment

Utilization of green alga Ulva lactuca for sustainable production of meso-micro porous nano activated carbon for adsorption of Direct Red 23 dye from aquatic environment

Potential antimicrobial properties of the Ulva lactuca extract against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus-infected wounds: A review.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), currently a major problem in hospitals worldwide, is one of the most common causes of nosocomial disease through surgical wound infection. MRSA-infected wounds have very low recovery rates and have become more problematic as some antibiotics are not effective against MRSA. Several antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agents of green algae (Ulva lactuca) in the form of alkaloids, triterpenoids, steroids, saponins, and flavonoids have the potential to accelerate the wound healing process following MRSA wound infection. Various active compounds contained in the U. lactuca extract are thought to have multiple antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can overcome the MRSA antimicrobial resistance and accelerate tissue growth in the wound healing process. This review aims to describe the potential of Ulva lactuca extract against MRSA-infected wound healing.

Enhancement of Biogas Production from Macroalgae Ulva latuca via Ozonation Pretreatment

One of the dominant species of green algae growing along the Mediterranean coast of Egypt is Ulva lactuca. Pretreatment can have a major effect on biogas production because hydrolysis of the algae cell wall structure is a rate-limiting stage in the anaerobic digestion (AD) process. The use of ozone, a new pretreatment, to boost biogas production from the green algae Ulva lactuca was investigated in this study. Ozonation at various dosages was used in contrast to untreated biomass, and the effect on the performance of subsequent mesophilic AD using two separate inoculums (cow manure and activated sludge) was examined. The findings indicated that, in different studies, ozonation pretreatment showed a substantial increase in biogas yield relative to untreated algae. With an ozone dose of 249 mg O3 g–1 VS algal for Ulva lactuca, the highest biogas output (498.75 mL/g VS) was achieved using cow manure inoculum. The evaluation of FTIR, TGA, SEM, and XRD revealed the impact of O3 on the structure of the algal cell wall and integrity breakage, which was thus established as the main contributor to improving the biogas production.

Phytochemical Constituents of Ulva Lactuca and Supplementation to Improve The Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis Niloticus) Haemato-Biochemical Status

This study was carried out to investigate the phytochemical constituents and biological screening of green algae (Ulva lactuca ) methanolic crude extract. The HPLC spectrum profile identified seven phenolic and flavonoid compounds namely: catechin, chlorogenic ,caffeic, quercetin, and major compounds, ellagic acid with 60.87 % and rutin with 33.40% of total area. The GC profile of fatty acids portions represented to relative distribution percentage were 9 compounds, the major fatty acids are lauric acid 55.0 % , caprylic acid 21.2 % , capric Acid was 19.8 and palmitic acid was 1.94% . The 17 amino acids produced from GC spectrum , the percentage of total amino acid were 25.98% .The most abundant amino acids were glutamic acid 2.34% , alanine 2.22 and aspartic 2.09, leucine 1.33 , valine 1.26 , phenylalanine 1.0 , therionine 0.98 and isoleucine 0.9%. of total amino acid. Tilapia (Oreochromis Niloticus) diets were divided into Ulva fermentation and multi enzymes, groups each with three different supplementations (LC, PRO, and LC + PRO). The result recorded the diets containing fermented Ulva with L-carnitine, probiotic ( LC+PRO) was the highest level of red blood cell ( RBCs , HGB) by 1.97 cmm , 10.63 g/d . Similarly, increase of Hematocrit (HCt) , WBCs, platelets, and lymphocytes due to the highest level of protein, albumin, and globulin in this diets also, U. lactuca contains a number of complex carbohydrates and polysaccharides. This study has revealed that U. lactuca seaweed is a rich source of protein ( 22% ) which is nutritionally superior to the terrestrial plant proteins and can be used to provide significant proportions of the protein requirements of fish as well as for human.

Effects of extrinsic abiotic factors on induction of gametogenesis and efficacy of a device for the segregation of non-fused gametes and zygotes in the green alga Ulva lactuca

ABSTRACT Seaweed aquaculture is one of the fastest growing marine sectors with 31.2 million tonnes year–1 of harvest worth over 11.7 billion USD. Commercial operations still rely on traditional techniques but innovative strategies are essential for future expansion. The present paper reports on a simple device that could effectively segregate non-fused haploid gametes from diploid zygotes in the green alga Ulva lactuca. The differential phototactic behaviour of gametes and zygotes was used for their separation. Approximately 56.2% non-fused haploid gametes and 5.3% diploid zygotes were separated after 5 min and after 1 hr and 2 hr, the composition of gametes was 26.6 and 8.8%, respectively while that of zygotes 32.7 and 57.4%, respectively. The effects of extrinsic abiotic factors, including light, temperature, salinity, photoperiod, dehydration and thallus fragmentation, on the induction of gametogenesis was found to be limited at 35°C (13.33 ± 5.77%) and a short day 9:15 h light:dark photoperiod (20 ± 4.08%), while dehydration treatments enhanced spore induction. This study demonstrated the efficient and cost-effective utilisation of locally available materials in producing a simple, small, precise, durable and easy to use system, which also saved on energy. The effective segregation of non-fused gametes from zygotes aids in cytological preparation, bio-chemical characterisation investigations as well as breeding and hybridisation all of which have direct implications on the future farming of Ulva and other species of seaweeds with similar life phases.

Пищевой ингредиент на основе морской зелёной водоросли в составе хлебобулочных изделий. Риски и потенциал

The paper presents the results of the development wheat bread using a new ingredient – a water-ethanol extract of the sea green alga Ulva lactuca, which contains biologically active substances, minerals, trace elements, and has a proven positive effect on the human body. Rational dosages of the extract have been selected, eliminating the technological risks of its use in the recipe for bakery products. The safety and quality of a new food ingredient and bakery products with its addition is shown in accordance with the requirements of the regulatory documents of the Russian Federation and the EAEU. This work was supported by the Council for Grants of the President of the Russian Federation for State support of young Russian scientists. Grant number is MK-3686.2021.4. The topic of the scientific research is «Rational use of processed products of non-fish objects of water industry in the technology of safe and high-quality food»

Beneficial Effects of Algerian Green Alga Ulva lactuca and Its Hydroethanolic Extract on Insulin Resistance and Cholesterol Reverse Transport in High-Fat/Streptozotocin Diabetic Rats

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the green algae Ulva lactuca and its hydroethanolic extract on insulin resistance and cholesterol reverse transport in type 2 diabetic (T2D) rats. Rats had T2D induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) for 5 weeks followed by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. Diabetic rats were divided into three groups and were fed a HFD in the presence or absence of 1% alga (HFD-Alg) or 1% of its hydroethanolic extract (HFD-Ext), for 4 weeks. The control group consumed 20% casein combined with 5% lipids. Hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, hypercholesterolemia, and hypertriglyceridemia were noted in HFD rats vs control rats. Whole alga and its extract decreased these parameters vs the HFD. Moreover, fecal total cholesterol and triacylglycerols levels were lowered in HFD group vs C group, but were increased with HFD-Alg vs HFD. Compared with the Control, the HFD group had decreased lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) activity, apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA-I), high-density lipoprotein (HDL3)-phospholipids (PL), and HDL2-cholesteryl ester (CE) levels, but increased HDL3-unesterified cholesterol (UC) levels. Furthermore, compared with the HFD group, the HFD-Alg and HFD-Ext groups had increased LCAT activity, ApoA-I, HDL3-PL, and HDL2-CE levels and decreased HDL3-UC levels. In addition, in the HFD-Ext group, LCAT activity and ApoA-1 levels were decreased vs the HFD-Alg whereas HDL3-UC levels were increased. In conclusion, these results indicate that U. lactuca and its hydroethanolic extract have curative effect on T2D. Therefore, this alga could be considered a functional food supplement for the treatment and prevention of diabetes.

Photosynthetic fluctuation accompanied by translocation of chloroplasts in Ulva conglobata (Ulvophyceae) grown under a low irradiance regime

SUMMARYFluctuations in photosynthetic characteristics related to chloroplast translocation have been known in the foliose green algae Ulva lactuca var. latissima and var. rigida and U. mutabilis according to photoperiod. In Ulva, the single parietal chloroplast is found along the thallus surface wall and exhibits high photosynthetic activity during the light period; the chloroplast then moves towards the side walls and shows low photosynthetic activity during the dark period. In this study, we re‐investigated whether the photosynthetic ability is dependent on chloroplast location in a unialgal culture of U. conglobata grown and maintained under low irradiance regime by analyzing in vivo absorption spectra, oxygen evolution, and pulse amplitude modulation chlorophyll fluorescence. The light absorbance of the thallus was higher when chloroplast was along the thallus surface wall than when along the side walls and, therefore, the thallus absorbance at 680 nm was used as an index of chloroplast position. Some photosynthetic parameters such as maximum net photosynthetic rate per thallus area and effective quantum yield of photosystem II correlated with the thallus absorbance. The highest rate and absorption were reached 3 to 9 h after the beginning of light period (12 h), which gradually decreased at 10 to 15 h after the beginning of light or dark period. The lowest rate and absorption was observed after the beginning of the dark period. The chloroplast movement was inhibited for 12 h by colchicine, and photosynthetic parameters were found to be dependent on various chloroplast positions in the thallus. Interestingly, the chloroplast moved to the surface and the side walls of the cells under continuous dark and light conditions, respectively, at approximately 48 to 72 h. However, decreased maximum quantum yield was observed under both continuous dark and light conditions.

Structural Characterization and Hypoglycemic Effect of Green Alga Ulva Lactuca Oligosaccharide by Regulating MicroRNAs

Structural Characterization and Hypoglycemic Effect of Green Alga Ulva Lactuca Oligosaccharide by Regulating MicroRNAs

UJI AKTIVITAS ANTIOKSIDAN EKSTRAK GANGGANG HIJAU (Ulva lactuca L.) DENGAN VARIASI KONSENTRASI PELARUT ETANOL 60%, 75%, DAN 96% MENGGUNAKAN METODE DPPH (1,1-difenil-2-pikrilhidrazil)

Free radicals give a negative effect. According to earlier research, Spyrogyra and Ulva lactuca L. have an anti-oxidant activity. This research aim to knowing the extract potential of green algae (Ulva lactuca) with variety concentration solvent as anti-oxidant by DPPH method, and finding the price of IC50 ethanol extract which compared with Galat acid. Extraction technic was maseration with ethanol solvent 60%,75%, and 96% which is implemented a qualitative test of extract active compound of U. lactuca Antioxidant activity of U. lactuca extract measured with spektrofotometri by using DPPH (1,1-difenil-2-pikrilhidrazil) method to get percentation of free radical resistor. The analytical result using SPSS, statistically got 95% credibility (p=0,05). This research showed that activity of antioxidant ethanol extract 96% of U. lactuca was higher than ethanol extract 60% and 75%. Activity of antioxidant ethanol extract 60%,75%, and 96% which confirmed by value of IC50 continously are 441,70 mg/ml ; 242,10 mg/ml dan 2,04 mg/ml. Whereas the value of IC50 galat acid standard is 3,92 x 10-3mg/ml. Based on tests of conducted antioxidant activity, the gallic acid has a strong antioxidant power, U. lactuca have a very weak antioxidant power

Seagrass Cymodocea nodosa and seaweed Ulva lactuca as tools for trace element biomonitoring. A comparative study

This study compared the capacity of the seagrass Cymodocea nodosa and the green alga Ulva lactuca to sequester the trace elements Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn, in seawater and benthic sediments, under the same environmental conditions. Samples of C. nodosa leaves and U. lactuca thalli were collected in four sites off the coast of Sicily (Italy), with varying degrees of anthropogenic impact. C. nodosa accumulated generally higher levels of trace elements, suggesting a better performance in marine phytoremediation. In turn, C. nodosa and U. lactuca showed a similar performance regarding the bioindication of trace elements. Since salinity, temperature and pH had relatively constant values, their role in the accumulation processes in both species should be considered as secondary. Although C. nodosa and U. lactuca fulfill several criteria as bioindicators, including widespread distribution, abundance and tolerance to toxicity, their regular use in biomonitoring programs is still limited.

Structural characterization and hypoglycemic effect of green alga Ulva lactuca oligosaccharide by regulating microRNAs in Caenorhabditis elegans

The novel oligosaccharides from Ulva lactuca were obtained and characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier-transformed infrared and liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry. U. lactuca oligosaccharides were composed by β-D-Glcp-(1 → 4)-α-L-Rhap (2SO3−)-(1 → 2)-β-D-GlcpA-(1 → 6)-β-D-Galp-(1 → 5)-α-L-Arap-(1→ and α-L-Rhap-(1 → 2)-α-L-Rhap(3SO3−)-(1 → 6)-β-D-Glcp-(1 → 2)-β-D-Xylp-(1→ with a branch of β-D-GlcpA that connected in C4 of β-D-Glcp, respectively. After U. lactuca oligosaccharide treatment, the mean lifespan, glucose levels, and insulin resistance were improved in Caenorhabditis elegans. It has significantly enhanced the total superoxide dismutase levels and ameliorated the intracellular reactive oxygen species accumulation. U. lactuca oligosaccharides could prevent the DNA and mitochondrial damage induced by high glucose. The gene expression levels of abnormal dauer formation 16 (DAF-16), protein kinase B (AKT-1), protein skinhead-1 (SKN-1), adenosine monophosphate-activated kinase 2 (AAK-2), DAF-15, and superoxide dismutase 3 (SOD-3) were up-regulated though inhibiting the expressions of miR-48-5p, miR-67-3p, miR-124-3p, and miR-85-3p, while the gene expression levels of DAF-2, LEThal 363 (LET-363), and signal element on X 1 (SEX-1) were also up-regulated. U. lactuca oligosaccharides might be applied in the functional foods to improve glucose metabolism disorders and antioxidant systems in vivo mediated by modulation of microRNAs.

Comparative study of the insecticidal activity of a high green plant (Spinacia oleracea) and a chlorophytae algae (Ulva lactuca) extracts against Drosophila melanogaster fruit fly

Currently, the global interests tend to take advantage of the plant world as a renewable source of a natural and effective molecule, to find an eco-friendly, cost-effective, and less toxic alternative to the current synthetic pesticide. In this context, the present research was carried out in an attempt to study the insecticidal activity of extracts and pigments derived from the green plant Spinacia oleracea and the green alga Ulva lactuca against the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster as an alternative to chemical insecticide. The toxicity of the aqueous, acetonic and ethanolic extracts as well as of the purified pigments (Chlorophylls and carotenoids) was determined by complementary in vivo tests (application by spraying oranges, toxicity by ingestion and repellent activity). Interestingly, each one of these methods corresponds to a specific mode of exposure. Results showed that acetone extracts, which are rich in green pigments, present the best insecticidal activities. On the other hand, the purified chlorophyllian pigments exhibited an interesting activity only by spraying method. Regarding the repellent activity, the aqueous extract of spinach displayed higher effectiveness. Our study suggests the potential of tested plant and algal extracts, as well as of chlorophyllian pigments, to provide a safer alternative way to the use of synthetic pesticides.

Gastroprotective Effect of Green Algae Extract (Ulva lactuca L) on Gastric Rats

Gastric ulcer is a disease of the digestive tract characterized by mucous damage to secretion of gastric acid and pepsin. One of the potential gastroprotector plants is green algae. The purpose of this study was to examine the gastroprotective effect of ethanol extract of green algae (EEGH) Ulva lactuca L on the gastric of ethanol-induced rats. This study used 36 rats, divided into 6 groups. Group I is a normal group. Group II negative control, ethanol 96% induced. Group III positive control, given comparison of ranitidine dose of 15.75 mg/kgBW. Groups IV, V and VI were given multilevel EEGH, namely 125, 250 and 500 mg/kgBW. The treatment was carried out for 14 days, on the 14th day ethanol 96% was induced and then dissected. Research data on gastric ulcer index and protection ratio were analyzed using One Way ANOVA with a confidence level of 95%. The results of the EEGH statistical test dose of 500 mg/kgBW with negative controls showed a significant difference with p value of 0.013 (p<0.05). The EEGH 500 mg/kgBW has the ability as an effective gastroprotector, as seen from the gastric ulcer index value of 0.5 and the protection ratio of 78.94%.Keywords: Ethanol, gastroprotector, protection ratio, ulcer index, Ulva lactuca L.78,94%.

Testing the carbonization condition for high surface area preparation of activated carbon following type IV green alga Ulva lactuca

Activated carbon with high specific surface area has been produced from green alga Ulva lactuca by using zinc chloride (ZnCl2) solution as an activating agent under carbonization temperature ranged from 500 to 900 °C. The effects of carbonization temperatures, holding time, and amount of ZnCl2 followed by soaking in hydrochloric acid on the specific surface area, pore morphology, and mass yield of the prepared activated carbon were investigated. In this work, the activated carbon with high specific surface area was achieved using 1:2 (ZiCl2: Ulva lactuca) impregnation agent, 700 °C as activation temperature, 30 min as holding time, and soaking with 3.0 M hydrochloric acid as the optimum conditions. This condition produced an activated carbon with specific surface area (SBET) and micropore surface area (Smi) of 1486.3 and 1582.04 m2/g, respectively, with mean pore diameter (DP) of 2.39 nm. The results showed that the chemical activation by ZnCl2 is a useful technique for obtaining activated carbon from Ulva lactuca with desired pore size distributions and morphology at moderate activation temperatures.

Use of green alga Ulva lactuca (L.) as an indicator to heavy metal pollution at intertidal waters in Suez Gulf, Aqaba Gulf and Suez Canal, Egypt

Metal pollution in the marine coastal line environment is an important topical issue in the context of ecological disturbance. The concentration of nine trace elements: Cu, Co, Ni, Cr, Mn, Zn, Cd, Pb, and Fe was determined in water, sediments and the green alga Ulva lactuca (L.), which collected from several sites at three main area (Suez Gulf, Aqaba Gulf and Suez Canal). The abundance of metal concentrations in algae samples was in the following order: Fe> Zn> Mn> Pb> Cu> Ni> Co> Cr> Cd, Fe> Mn>Zn> Pb> Cu> Ni> Co> Cr> Cd, and Fe> Mn>Zn> Cu> Pb> Ni> Co> Cr> Cd in Suez Gulf, Aqaba Gulf, and Suez Canal respectively. The variations at this order of abundance were according to the different in activities and metal sources in these different areas. The high uptake of metals in green alga Ulva lactuca suggested that this alga may be used as potential biomonitors for heavy metal pollution. The BCF value of metals in the algae/waterwas significantly higher than those of algae /sediments. The pollution indicator of Contamination Factor (BCF) was calculated to determine the degree of metal pollution in the marine coastline and the contribution of anthropogenic influence. Significant (p≤0.05) inter-elemental positive-correlations were observed between most studied metals, as well as negative-correlations between a few of them. Overall, the comparison of heavy metal contents with seawater and sediment samples in the Ulva species showed that U. lactuca is a suitable plant for biomonitoring studies.

Lipid Composition, Content of Polyphenols, and Antiradical Activity in Some Representatives of Marine Algae

Qualitative and quantitative composition of the lipid complex and total content of polyphenols were compared in aqueous alcoholic extracts from three species of marine macrophytes collected in Peter the Great Bay, the Sea of Japan. Examined seaweeds belonged to different phyla: green alga Ulva lactuca L. sea lettuce, brown alga Sargassum pallidum (Turner) C. Agardh sargassum pallidum, and red alga Ahnfeltia tobuchiensis (Kanno et Matsubara) Makijenko ahnfeltia tobuchiensis. It was shown that glycolipids (30.3–41.5%) and neutral lipids (34–48.5%) prevailed among total lipids in the extracts from all three algal species; phospholipids accounted for 10–25.7% of total lipids. Among neutral lipids in all the seaweeds, triacylglycerols and free sterols prevailed. The greatest quantity of triacylglycerols was found in A.tobuchiensis and that of free sterols was in S. pallidum. As to the individual fractions of phospholipids, their composition and content considerably differed. In terms of content, predominant phospholipid fractions in the extract from U. lactuca were phosphatidyl glycerol, phosphatidyl ethanolamine, and phosphatidyl inositol, those from S. pallidum were phosphatidyl ethanolamine and phosphatidyl glycerol, and those from A. tobuchiensis were phosphatidyl choline and phosphatidyl glycerol. As to the percentage of main fatty acids comprising the lipid component of the extracts from the examined algal species, it was found that the extract from brown alga S. pallidum contained the greatest content of PUFA from the family n-6. The extract from green alga U. lactuca contained the greatest content of PUFA from the family n-3. In the extract from red alga A. tobuchiensis, arachidonic (family n-6) and eicosapentaenoic (family n-3) acids prevailed among PUFA. The greatest quantity of polyphenols was detected in the extract from brown alga S. pallidum, which 15–24 times exceeded respective figures in U. lactuca and A. tobuchiensis. Moreover, the extract from S. pallidum showed a much higher level of antiradical activity in respect to ABTS+, which was 5–12.5 times greater than in U. lactuca and A. tobuchiensis, respectively.

The alga Ulva lactuca (Ulvaceae, Chlorophyta) as a bioindicator of trace element contamination along the coast of Sicily, Italy

The marine environment is subjected to ever-increasing levels of contamination, especially along the coastal areas with urban and industrial activities. Consequently, monitoring campaigns on large scales should be conducted on a regular basis for a better management of marine ecosystems. This study tested the capacity of the green alga Ulva lactuca to act as a bioindicator of trace elements along the coasts of Sicily (Italy). The concentrations of the metals Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn were analyzed in samples of water, sediments and U. lactuca thalli, which were collected in ten different sites at diverse levels of human impact. The results showed that U. lactuca can accumulate essential and non-essential elements at similar concentrations. The analysis of trace elements showed also that the metal content in U. lactuca is significantly correlated with the levels of trace elements in water and sediments. U. lactuca fits numerous features that make it one of the best bioindicators of marine pollution, also thanks to its worldwide distribution and capacity to accumulate trace elements under toxic conditions. The use of U. lactuca should be encouraged to set up large-scale monitoring programs, especially in highly impacted seas like the Mediterranean where U. lactuca is widespread.

Trace metal Biomonitoring of algae (Ulva lactuca), and Mollusks (Patella caerulea ; Stramonita haemastoma ; Phorcus turbinatus) along the Eastarn-Algerian coast.

A total of six trace metal elements (Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Zn and Ni) were analyzed in the green algae Ulva lactuca (Linnaeus, 1753) and in the tissues of three gastropods: Stramonita hemastomas (Linnaeus, 1766), Phorcus turbinatus (Born 1778) and the limpet Patella caerulea (Linnaeus, 1758)sampled from four stations located along the coastal areas of eastern Algeria (North-Eastern Mediterranean Sea). Data were processed through multivariate approaches such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) on PCA factors. The results obtained showed a very het- erogeneous distribution of pollutants. Highly significant correlations were determined for the different species studied, depending on heavy metals, stations and seasons. In green algae, U. lactuca has been associated with higher levels of Ni, Cr and Zn in the sampling station ’St.T’, while an accumulation of Pb and Cu was detected in St.2. Cr was significantly higher in St.3. In winter and spring, mol- lusks had the highest contamination levels. Monodonta and Patella in the stations St.1, St.2 and St.3 showed higher contents in Ni, Zn and Cu, respectively. In addition, Thais and Patella in stations St.T and St.3had a higher contamination with Pb, Crand Cd, respectively. Statistical comparison was performed using the non-parametric Kruskall Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests. This work confirms that U. lactuca , S. haemastoma , P. turbinatus and P. caerulea are good biomonitoring tools of trace metal contamination in Mediterranean marine areas.