Heavy Metals in Barnacles Balanus Sp.: From Biomonitoring to Coastal Management

Abstract

This study determined the levels of Cd, Cu, Fe, Ni, and Zn in the soft tissues and shells of barnacles (Balanus sp.) collected from the Kuala Juru, Sebatu, Sg. Ayam and Kg. Pasir Puteh, Peninsular Malaysia, obtained in 2008. The metal concentrations (µg/g dry weight) in the soft tissues of Balanus sp. received from four sites in Peninsular Malaysia ranged from 2.93-4.17 for Cd, 20.2-92.5 for Cu, 480-1193 for Fe, 6.40-18.0 for Ni, and 224-414 for Zn. Based on the present data, the trace metal bioavailability's to the Balanus in all the populations, especially in a known polluted site at Kg. Pasir Puteh is low. Overall, this preliminary baseline data can be used for regular ecological monitoring for the effective management of the coastal area in Malaysia.

Relationship between Potential Trace Elements Contamination in Sediment and Macrofauna in the Upper Gulf of Thailand

“…Te macrofauna used in this research was the sandworm Perinereis quatrefagesi (P. quatrefagesi), which is distributed in the sediment around the upper Tai Gulf. P. quatrefagesi is responsible for the decomposition of aquatic animals on the coast, which makes it extremely appropriate for indicating the environmental quality [13][14][15] of the upper zone of the Tai Gulf. Tis article's presence aims to focus on monitoring elemental contamination in the upper zone of the Tai Gulf area, where there are industrial and agricultural zones with high vulnerability to pollution distribution in the environment, as well as the upper zone of the Tai Gulf being very important to the country's local fshery.…”