Metal Concentration in Palaemon elegans along the Coastal Areas of Gran Canaria (Canary Islands): Potential Bioindicator of Pollution

Abstract

Ocean pollution poses a significant issue in the marine ecosystem. Coastal areas are particularly impacted by this pollution, and consequently, organisms associated with these coasts bear the brunt of its effects. Therefore, the presence of robust bioindicators, such as the shrimp species Palaemon elegans, is critically important. In this study, 20 P. elegans specimens were examined in each of the five areas on Gran Canaria Island. Water samples were collected to assess the potential existence of elevated concentrations. Significant discrepancies were observed in the levels of Al and Li across all zones, except those previously mentioned. The highest concentrations were recorded in Arguineguín (Southern sector), reaching 49.14 ± 4.51 mg/kg (Al) and 47.64 ± 2.86 mg/kg (Li). The authors contend that P. elegans proves to be a reliable bioindicator for tourist and port-related pollution, specifically for the metals Al, Zn, Cd, Pb, Ni, Fe, B, and Li analyzed in this research.