Heavy metals in Fucus vesiculosus in the Humber Estuary

Abstract

Samples of brown seaweed Fucus vesiculosus from the south bank of the Humber Estuary have been analysed for Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn. Distribution of Cd, Cu, Ni and Zn along the estuary are represented graphically. Cd and Ni are conservative, but the plots for Cu and Zn suggest inputs of these metals in the lower estuary. Elevated Fe levels are considered to result from contamination by suspended sediment, but concentrations at one site in the lower estuary are indicative of an input of] soluble iron. All Pb and Cr results can be accounted for entirely by particulate contamination. Data from the Humber is compared with figures available in the literature. Concentrations of Cd, Cu and Zn are much greater than ‘background’ levels and compare with contaminated conditions elsewhere, whilst Ni concentrations include the highest values reported for any location. It is concluded that Fucus vesiculosus in the Humber exhibits substantially elevated levels of heavy metals.