Heavy Metal Bioaccumulation in Brown Algae Cystoseira compressa in Algerian Coasts, Mediterranean Sea

Abstract

This study was undertaken to investigate and assess trace metal (Cd, Pb, Cr, and Hg) concentrations in the Cystoseira compressa algae from the coastal city of Bou Ismaïl (Algeria). Spatial and temporal variations in the concentrations of these heavy metals were studied in the following three sampling sites: site 1 and site 2 were major wastewater discharge zones and site 3 was located close to areas with high industrial activity. Seawater, sediments and algae in the wastewater from the three sites were submitted to physico-chemical analyses to determine the concentrations of heavy metals and the level of pollution in the region. The results revealed that site 1 (designed as desalination) and site 2 (designed as industrial waste) were non-compliant, which was attributed to heavy loads of heavy metals and wastewater discharged by industrial activity and absence of regular treatment. Site 3 (designed as cove koali), on the other hand, was noted to represent a reference site. Overall, the results provided evidence for the heavy metal bioaccumulation of algae from the genus Cystoseira and their efficiency for use as biomarkers of pollution in coastal areas.