Seaweeds as bioindicators of heavy metals off a hot spot area on the Egyptian Mediterranean Coast during 2008–2010

Abstract

Concentrations of Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, Ni, Co, Fe, Mn, and Hg were measured successively in water, sediments, and six macroalgal species belonging to three algal classes during 3 years (2008-2010) from Abu Qir Bay, Alexandria, Egypt: Chlorophyceae (Enteromorpha compressa, Ulva fasciata), Phaeophyceae (Padina boryana), and Rhodophyceae (Jania rubens, Hypnea musciformis, Pterocladia capillacea). The study aimed to assess the bioaccumulation potential of the seaweeds, as well as to evaluate the extent of heavy metal contamination in the selected study site. Metals were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry coupled with MH-10 hydride system. The obtained data showed that the highest mean concentrations of Cu, Zn, Fe, and Mn were recorded in E. compressa; Cd, Ni, and Hg exhibited their highest mean concentrations in P. boryana, while Pb and Co were found in J. rubens. Abundance of the heavy metals in the algal species was as follow: Fe > Mn > Zn > Pb > Ni > Co > Cu > Cd > Hg. E. compressa showed the maximum metal pollution index (MPI) which was 11.55. Bioconcentration factor (BCF) for the metals in algae was relatively high with a maximum value for Mn. The Tomlinson pollution load index (PLI) values for the recorded algal species were low, which ranged between 1.00 in P. boryana and 2.72 in E. compressa. Enrichment factors for sediments were low fluctuating between 0.43 for Hg to 2.33 for Mn. Accordingly, the green alga E. compressa, brown alga P. boryana, and red alga J. rubens can be nominated as bioindicators. Based on MPI and PLI indices, Abu Qir Bay in the present study is considered as low-contaminated area.

Variation in Anti-inflammatory, Anti-arthritic, and Antimicrobial Activities of Different Extracts of Common Egyptian Seaweeds with an Emphasis on Their Phytochemical and Heavy Metal Contents

“…Mn concentration varied from 17.70 to 85.36 mg/kg, where the highest Mn content was detected in J. rubens while the lowest level was noted in U. fasciata , collected from Abu Qir Bay. Lower value of Mn 59.97 mg/kg was reported for J. rubens by Shams El-Din et al [ 69 ] but a comparable level was observed for U. fasciata 16.01 mg/kg.…”

“…The highest concentration of Ni was recorded in the green seaweed U. fasciata collected from Abu Qir Bay (5.51 mg/kg); however, the lowest level of Ni residue was observed in J. rubens (2.10 mg/kg). Shams El-Din et al [ 69 ] reported lower concentration of Ni as 3.64 mg/kg in U. fasciata and higher Ni level of 11.97 mg/kg in J. rubens collected from the same area.…”

Effects of Seasonal Variability on the Physicochemical, Biochemical, and Nutritional Composition of Western Peninsular Malaysia Gracilaria manilaensis

“…The cell wall polysaccharides of macroalgae contain multiple functional groups, i.e., anionic carboxyl, amino, sulfhydryl, sulfate, and phosphate responsible for the high complexation of metallic cation from its surroundings [76]. They accumulate most of these metals without suffering any cell damage [77]. The macro, trace, and toxic elements differ widely in seaweed [78].…”

Investigation of the Fatty Acid Profile in Some Macroalgae in Relation to the Environmental Conditions for Biodiesel Production

“…at longitudes 30°07' E and latitudes 31°16' N. The bay is a hot spot area since it is subjected properly to discharge of primary treated sewage water, in addition to fishing activities. As well as, a discharge of industrial wastewater through "Tabia Pumping Station" and the agricultural effluents from Lake Edku (Shams El-Din et al, 2014). This area is affected by the eastward windinduced current (El-Tawil and Khalil, 1983).…”