COMPARISON OF METAL UPTAKE CAPACITIES OF THE BROWN ALGAE CYSTOSEIRA BARBATA AND CYSTOSEIRA CRINITA (PHAEOPHYCEAE) COLLECTED IN SINOP, TURKEY

Abstract

Cystoseira barbata (Stackhouse) C. Agardh, 1820 and Cystoseira crinita Duby, 1830 widely distributed and dominant in the Black Sea collected from Sinop coastal zone to monitor the current situation of regional metal pollution during the 2015-2016.
Macro-algae, sediments and seawater samples were analyzed for metal contents (Al, As, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The methodology was provided by using standard reference material BCR 279 – Ulva lactuca.
The general metal uptake of Cystoseira spp. displayed a tendency in the order of Hg<Cd<Co<Pb<Ni<Cu<As<Mn<Zn<Fe=Al. Accumulation of arsenic showed the highest levels in both seawater and sediments (BSAF>2 and BCF>5000) that was a good indicator for Cystoseira species. As a result of measured values, it is seen that Sinop region is below the pollution level. The observed results of the elemental accumulation noticed that Cystoseira spp. could be used regularly as a bio-monitor of coastal pollution in the study area.