Metal Concentrations In Algae Research Articles

Bioaccumulation of metals by algae from acid mine drainage: a case study of Frongoch Mine (UK)

In Frongoch Mine (UK), it is unclear the distribution of metals on indigenous algae and whether these species of algae can accumulate metals. This study aimed to investigate the role of indigenous algae for metal removal from acid mine drainage and understand if metals can be adsorbed on the surface of algae or/and bioaccumulated in algae. A sequential extraction procedure was applied for algae samples collected from acid mine drainage (AMD) water to identify the forms in which metals are found in algae. Concentrations of Fe, Pb, Zn, Cu and Cd were evaluated in the algae and AMD samples were collected in June and October 2019. AMDs samples had a pH value ranging between 3.5 and 6.9 and high concentrations of Zn (351 mg/L) and Pb (4.22 mg/L) that exceeded the water quality standards (Water Framework Directive, 2015). Algae Ulothrix sp. and Oedogonium sp. were the two main species in the Frongoch AMDs. The concentrations of metals in algae ranged from 0.007 to 51 mg/g, and the bioconcentration factor of metals decreased in the following order: Fe > > Pb > > Cu > Cd > Zn. It was found that Zn, Cu and Cd were adsorbed onto the surface of and bioaccumulated in the algae, while Pb and Fe were mainly bioaccumulated in the algae. Indigenous algae can be considered as a biogeochemical barrier where metals are accumulating and can be used in bioremediation methods. Also, indigenous algae could be used as a bioindicator to assess water pollution at Frongoch Mine and other similar metal mines.

Metal concentrations in three species of Fucus L. on the Murmansk coast of the Barents Sea

This research executed biomonitoring of anthropogenic changes in the fragile ecosystems of the Arctic by implementing a system of repeated observations of several coastal areas in the Barents Sea that differ in their geographical location, anthropogenic load and seawater salinity level. The level of metal pollution (Cu, Cd, Pb) was determined by their concentrations in brown algae of the genus Fucus. The data covers a period from 2010 to 2018. The results show that the average metal concentrations were much higher than the background levels at most stations for all algae compared to a reference point. In the most polluted waters, the average concentrations of Сu, Cd and Pb exceeded the background levels by 5–6, 1.5–2.5 and 3–5 times, respectively. The average metal concentrations were much lower than that in other regions of the world ocean (over 2–14 times). Seasonal variability somewhat differed by species; however, at most stations, the metal concentration showed a decreasing tendency from winter to summer for all species. MANOVA showed that the salinity level, interaction between site and season and all three factors combined had the strongest influence on the metal concentration. A decreasing series of polluted water bodies in the Murmansk coast was compiled, and the metal pollution index (MPI) calculated for the seawater and algae samples confirmed these levels of anthropogenic impact. It was demonstrated that the metal concentrations in algae correlated well with that in water. This study provides valuable background level data for the Murman Coast of the Barents Sea.

Background Concentrations of Heavy Metals in Brown Algae from the Northwest Sea of Japan

Background concentrations of Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, and Ni were calculated for brown algae Costaria costata from the northwest Sea of Japan. Also the paper contains refined data on heavy metal concentrations in the widespread distributed brown algae, such as Stephanocystis crassipes, Sargassum pallidum and S. miyabei. As the upper threshold levels of metal background concentrations, the median values plus double medians of absolute deviations from the medians were used (Me + 2MAD). The lower threshold level of the background concentration equal to the physiological need for an element is the median of 15% minimum values in the sampling minus the double median of absolute deviations from the median (Me15 - 2MAD15). The calculated ranges of the background concentrations of metals in algae were compared with concentrations of elements in mac-rophytes collected from habitats with background concentrations of metals in water.

Brown algae (Phaeophyta) for monitoring heavy metals at the Sudanese Red Sea coast

This study aimed at monitoring some heavy metals at the Sudanese Red Sea coast using Brown algae (Phaeophyta) as biomonitor. The total contents of heavy metals in four species (Turbinaria sp., Sargassum sp., Cystoseira sp. and Padina sp.) as well as seawater were examined. Twenty-six algae samples were collected from seven locations. The ranges of concentrations (µg/g, dry wt.) of heavy metals in algae were 4.95–16.95 for Cr, 2.93–257.32 for Mn, 1.35–7.43 for Ni, 0.83–14.10 for Cu, 4.13–19.13 for Zn, 0.03–0.15 for Cd and 0.45–2.18 for Pb. The ranges of the pH and the salinity of seawater from the same locations were 8.11–8.82 and 38.00–41.00 PSU, respectively. The ranges of concentrations (µg/L) of heavy metals in seawater were 7.00–11.00 for Cr, 2.90–10.20 for Mn, 6.70–10.10 for Ni, 1.70–5.00 for Cu, 0.94–5.70 for Zn, 0.09–0.14 for Cd and 0.93–1.80 for Pb. No significant correlations between metal concentrations in algae and seawater were observed. Some locations in the study area recorded relatively high levels of heavy metals in algae indicating possible contribution from manmade activities. Cr recorded higher levels in the study area than those in other coastal areas in the word. Padina sp. and Cystoseira sp. were better bioindicator than Turbinaria sp., Sargassum sp. for their high metal uptake.

Use of Sediment and Algae for Biomonitoring the Coast of Honaïne (Far West Algerian)

Concentrations of Fe, Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd and Ni were determined in the red alga Corallina officinalis (Linnaeus, 1758), the green alga Ulva lactuca (Linnaeus, 1753) and sediment sampled in four stations of the coastline of Hona?ne (extreme Western Algeria). The abundance of metal concentrations in algae and sediment samples, is in the following order: Fe > Zn > Pb > Ni > Cu > Cd. The schematic representation by PCA reflects a strong correlation of the corallina with Cd and Pb, the ulva with Zn and Ni and sediment with Cu and Fe, in addition, to homogeneity of rehearsals in each matrix. The results of this study validate the use of these species as reliable tools for biomonitoring of metal pollution of coastal ecosystems, even if the levels of heavy metals in sediment and algae from the coastline of Hona?ne are in general, very low compared with those from other geographic areas and by guidelines.

10.1007/s11179-008-1008-1

The concentrations of metals, viz., Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, and Ni, were investigated in brown algae of the genus Sargassum collected in the coastal waters of Nha Trang Bay (South China Sea). Metal concentrations in algae growing in the zone of influence of the city of Nha Trang were higher than those in macrophytes collected to the south and north of the city. Similar levels of Cu and Fe concentrations were observed in macrophytes from the urbanized coastal areas of Nha Trang Bay and in algae from the Peter the Great Bay (Sea of Japan). This is suggestive of comparable metal inputs from the anthropogenic sources of the cities of Nha Trang and Vladivostok (Peter the Great Bay). However, the concentrations of Pb, Ni, and Cd in algae from the coastal waters of Nha Trang Bay were lower than in macrophytes from the inshore zone of Vladivostok. The high level of pollution of sea water with Zn compounds near Nha Trang was local. The metal levels in macrophytes from background areas reflect the geochemical features of the environment. Sargassum algae from Nha Trang Bay had lower concentrations of Zn, Cd, and Ni and higher concentrations of Mn than algae from Peter the Great Bay. The background concentrations of Cu, Pb, and Fe in macrophytes from both bays were virtually the same.

Metal concentrations in Sargassum algae from coastal waters of Nha Trang Bay (South China Sea)

The concentrations of metals, viz., Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, and Ni, were investigated in brown algae of the genus Sargassum collected in the coastal waters of Nha Trang Bay (South China Sea). Metal concentrations in algae growing in the zone of influence of the city of Nha Trang were higher than those in macrophytes collected to the south and north of the city. Similar levels of Cu and Fe concentrations were observed in macrophytes from the urbanized coastal areas of Nha Trang Bay and in algae from the Peter the Great Bay (Sea of Japan). This is suggestive of comparable metal inputs from the anthropogenic sources of the cities of Nha Trang and Vladivostok (Peter the Great Bay). However, the concentrations of Pb, Ni, and Cd in algae from the coastal waters of Nha Trang Bay were lower than in macrophytes from the inshore zone of Vladivostok. The high level of pollution of sea water with Zn compounds near Nha Trang was local. The metal levels in macrophytes from background areas reflect the geochemical features of the environment. Sargassum algae from Nha Trang Bay had lower concentrations of Zn, Cd, and Ni and higher concentrations of Mn than algae from Peter the Great Bay. The background concentrations of Cu, Pb, and Fe in macrophytes from both bays were virtually the same.

Biokinetics and tolerance development of toxic metals in Daphnia magna

Daphnia magna is widespread in many freshwater systems of temperate regions and frequently is used to test metal toxicity. Recently, studies have been performed to determine metal biokinetics and development of tolerance in this important zooplankton species. In the present paper, we review the recent progress in these areas and suggest possible directions for future studies. Substantial differences exist in aqueous uptake, dietary assimilation, and elimination of several metals (Cd, Se, Zn, Ag, Hg, and MeHg) by D. magna. The routes of uptake are metal-specific, with Se and MeHg being accumulated predominantly through diet. All metals except Ag can be biomagnified from algae to D. magna, providing that metal concentrations in algae and algal food density are relatively low. Methylmercury is biomagnified in all situations. As a route for metal elimination in D. magna, maternal transfer is especially important for Se, Zn, and MeHg. On the other hand, the effect of single-generation exposure to metals on D. magna is very different from multigeneration exposure, which often results in a significantly higher metal tolerance. Moreover, D. magna easily loses metal tolerance developed through long-term exposure. Recovery from metal stress can temporarily increase the sensitivity of D. magna to metal toxicity. Finally, metallothionein-like protein is responsible for minimizing metal toxicity in D. magna. The results inferred from these studies can be extrapolated to other aquatic invertebrates as well as to other pollutants in the aquatic environment.

窒素・炭素安定同位体分析による河川水生昆虫群集の重金属濃縮機構の解明

Concentrations of Ag, Pb, and Hg in samples of aquatic insects and feeding sources such as algae and leaves were determined at four sites along the Ginzan River, Which receives drainage from a mined land. Nitrogen (δ15N) and carbon (δ13C) isotope analyses of the samples were carried out to assess whether feeding sources or the trophic level influenced metal accumulation in each faunal taxon. The individual dry mass was also measured to examine the effect of body size on metal accumulation. The relationship between metal concentrations and level of δ15N in fauna indicated biodilutions for Pb (3 sites) and Ag (1 site) through the food webs. This must be caused by high concentrations of metals in algae and fine particulate organic matter (FPOM) as the main feeding sources for harvivores and detorivores. The relative contribution of autochthonous and allochthonous energy sources to each taxon's biomass had no effect on the concentrations of Ag, Pb, and Hg in the fauna. The individual dry mass was negatively correlated with the concentrations of Ag (3 sites), Pb (1 site), and Hg (4 sites) in fauna.

Biomonitoring of Metal Availability in the Southern Basin of the Lagoon of Venice (Italy) by Means of Macroalgae

Macroalgae of the following species: Ulva laetevirens, Enteromorpha intestinalis, Gracilaria verrucosa and Sargassum mutycum, were used to monitor metal concentrations (Al, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Cr, Co, Ni, Cd) in the waters of the southern basin of the Lagoon of Venice. Sampling was performed at 5 sites, gradually moving north from the town of Chioggia. Species-specific seasonal variability was observed, with significant increases of Cd in U. laetevirens in January,Al and Pb in E. intestinalis in May, and Al and Ni in S. mutycum in January. Seasonal relative frequencies of metalpeak concentrations emphasize the occurrence of Pb peaks in May for all the studied species. Analysis of inter-site variability shows significant increases of Al, Fe, Cr and Pb in U. laetevirens at the Hydro-Biological Station, located within the town of Chioggia. Metal concentrations in algae are comparable with those in other areas of the lagoon, although Fe, Cr and Ni concentrations are lower than in the northern and central basins.This result fits dissolved metal concentrations determined byother authors, but does not correspond to the reported presence ofCr in the sediments of the southern basin. The hypothesis isdiscussed according to which low Cr levels in algae reflect Crspeciation in sediments.

Trace metal concentrations in marine macroalgae from different biotopes in the Aegean Sea

The commonest species of red, brown, and green macroalgae were sampled from a range of biotopes in the Aegean Sea and analysed for five different trace metals. Significant differences in metal concentrations were found among different seaweed species from the same biotope. The concentrations of metals in the various seaweed species may reflect their morphology, with those having a larger surface area having a greater internal content. Different species of seaweed have different affinities for different heavy metals. This may reflect competition between metals for binding or uptake sites in the seaweed. Comparing metal concentrations in algae among the studied sampling stations clearly indicates that the degree of accumulation depends not only on human activities but also on the geology of the specific area. While seaweed can be used successfully to assess the levels of heavy metals in the marine environment, not all elevated concentrations of heavy metals necessarily reflect increased levels of pollution. Indeed, the high concentrations of certain metals, e.g., Ni, found in our seaweed samples reflected the metaliferrous nature of the rock. It is therefore important to take account of a region's geology before attempting to interpret the data.

An Evaluation of the Impacts of Discharges from Surface Water Sewer Outfalls

A broad-based approach has been used to assess the impacts of discharges to rivers from 47 surface water severs, with the objective of determining whether such discharges are damaging to stream quality. In order to study as many sites as possible, sampling, laboratory and data analysis techniques were designed to be as simple and rapid as possible. This broad approach was deliberately chosen to contrast with other UK studies in which a small number of sites have been investigated in detail. Three parameters were studied, all of which could reflect the effects of intermittent pollution on stream quality during dry weather. These were the numbers and types of benthic nacroinvertebrates upstream and downstream of the outfalls, the concentrations of metals in algae upstream and downstream of the outfalls, and the concentrations of metals in sediments upstream and downstream of the outfalls. Information relating to the study catchments has been collected from local authorities and by observation at the time of sampling. This information includes catchment areas, land uses and receiving stream quality. Methods used for site selection, sampling, analysis and data interpretation are described. Results show that there is a small but significant fall in biological water quality downstreap of outfalls, but no consistent detectable impact on the concentrations of metals in sediments or algae. The biological effects are compared with the catchment characteristics to identify the factors governing the impact, and upstream water quality is found to be an important factor. Other factors influencing the impact are sewered catchment area and land use.