Trace metals in marine algae and sediment samples from the bosphorus

Abstract

Concentration of As, Cr, Fe, Zn, Co, Sb, Pb, Cd and Cu were determined in sediment and algae samples collected from the Bosphorus in Turkey. Certain algae species were chosen among the green, brown and red algae species at three sampling stations. Element analyses were carried out by atomic absorption spectrophotometry and instrumental neutron activation analysis. The locations having the highest metal concentrations in sediments were as follows: As at Poyraz; Cr, Zn, Sb at Rumeli Feneri and Fe, Co at Garipce. In genral, the accumulation of most of the metals showed no direct correlation with algae species. On the other hand, C. verticillatus and C. barbata species of brown algae showed ability to accumulate arsenic.