Assessment of Trace Metal Accumulation in Green Algae Ulva from the South Eastern Coast of Tunisia

Assessment of Trace Metal Accumulation in Green Algae Ulva from the South Eastern Coast of Tunisia

In the present study we aimed to assess the heavy metal accumulation (Fe, Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd and Mn) in Ulva lactuca thalli, as well as in sediments and seawater. Samples were collected from three sites along the southeastern coastline of Tunisia (S1: Dkhila coast, S2: Zarrat, and S3: Gulf of Gabes). The data obtained showed different patterns of metal accumulation. In fact, samples collected from Dkhila (S1) accumulated the highest Cd levels compared to the other sites. Regarding Zn, the S3 and S2 sites displayed the highest accumulation amounts in the following decreasing order: sediment>seawater>algae. For Cu, S1 showed the most significant concentrations according to this order: sediment>seawater>algae followed by S3 seawater. Likewise, data showed that Ulva thalli accumulated high levels of Fe for all sites. Taken together, these data demonstrate that the Gulf of Gabes accumulates the largest amount of Zn in sediments, whereas the highest levels of Cd were found in Dkhila coast, particularly in algae and sediments.