Biodeposited Trace Metals and Mineral Content Studies of Some Tropical Marine Algae

Abstract

Investigations on the concentrations of trace metals in the waters of Batu Ferringhi, Penang Island, indicated that they fall within the category of water-type I as designated by Hagerhall for unpolluted waters. In collaboration, studies on the biodeposited trace metals in 1 sp. of Cyanophyta [Pelagothrix clevei], 9 of Rhodophyta [Acanthophora orientalis, Gracilaria sp. (3), Hypnea sp., Jania sp. Laurencia sp. (2) and Sarcodia sp.], 4 of Phaeophyta [Colpomenia sinuosa, Dictyota bartayresii, Padina tenuis and Sargassum grevillei] and 6 of Chlorophyta [Caulerpa racemosa var. laetevirens, Cladophora fascicularis, Enteromorpha flexuosa, Valonia fastigiata and Valoniopsis pachynema (2)] showed values of a fairly high level as compared to those reported for benthic marine algae found in the same water-type category in the Oresund area (Sweden) with the exception of the element Zn which appeared to show corresponding values. Further, no significant correlation of the biodeposited trace metals among the algal groups was observed. Consequently, some algal species, though living in the unpolluted water-type I, had biodeposited trace metals of Zn, Cu and Pb at concentrations of above 100, 20 and 10 ppm, respectively, which are values only observable in algal species from polluted areas. Concurrent studies on the biodeposited concentrations of elements such as Ca, K, Na, Mg, Mn and P also showed similar trends as those of the trace metals mentioned above. Certain algal species within the tropical zone could apparently be employed as indicators for pollution studies in the near future.