Assessment of trace element contamination and bioaccumulation in algae (Ulva lactuca), bivalves (Spondylus spinosus) and shrimps (Marsupenaeus japonicus) from the Lebanese coast

Abstract In this study, levels of 20 trace elements (Al, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Ag, Cd, Sn, Sb, Ba, Hg, Pb and U) and the respective biota-sediment accumulation factors (BSAF) were assessed for three marine species from the Eastern Mediterranean (Lebanese coast) belonging to different trophic levels in the food chain (algae, bivalves and shrimps). Multivariate analyses showed significant differences in trace element accumulation between seasons, sites and species thus highlighting the importance of a multi-species and seasonal approach to monitor trace metals in coastal areas. Biota-sediment accumulation factors (BSAF) showed limited transfer from sediments to marine organisms suggesting that the bioaccumulation of trace elements by marine organisms should be assessed by considering multiple sources of contaminants. Lead (Pb) levels (0.07-4.44 mg.kg−1) measured in algae and Cd (0.54-7.74 mg.kg−1) and Zn (42.88-972 mg.kg−1) levels found in the oyster, were similar and sometimes higher than those found in other polluted areas indicating that the Lebanese coast is subject to environmental pollution.