Metal Concentrations of Paracentrotus lividus and Arbacia lixula Gonads from Gökçeada Island (North Aegean Sea, Turkey)

Abstract

In this study, Pb, Cu, Zn, Cd and Fe levels in the gonads of Paracentrotus lividus and Arbacia lixula collected from the coasts of Gökçeada were determined seasonally between 2014-2015. Trace element concentrations of P. lividus from highest to lowest ranked as Zn> Fe> Cu>Pb>Cd. Trace element concentrations of A. lixula gonads from highest to lowest ranked as Fe> Zn>Cu>Pb> Cd. Trace element concentrations were statisticaly different between species and between stations and seasons. For comparison purposes in biomonitoring studies only trace element concentrations in identical tissues of sea urchins should be used. Among body tissues, gonads are recommended to be considered as biomonitor tissues, except during reproductive periods.

Keywords

• gökçeada
• trace elements
• gonad
• purple sea urchin
• black sea urchin