Heavy metal concentrations in two biological indicators (Patella vulgata and Fucus serratus) collected near the French nuclear fuel reprocessing plant of La Hague

Abstract Concentrations of eight metals (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, Zn) were determined in the brown seaweed Fucus serratus and the limpet Patella vulgata collected every 2 weeks for 13 months on the rocky shore of Goury near the outlet of the nuclear reprocessing plant of La Hague (France). During this period, the heavy metal concentrations in both algae and gastropods showed large variations (a factor of 2–5). Statistical analysis of the data showed that the concentrations of Cd, Co, Cr, Fe, Ni and Pb in Patella , and those of Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Ni and Zn in Fucus exhibit a seasonal pattern at Goury showing a maximum in winter. The highest values found in our samples are within the range of lower values reported for other regions of the world, indicating an area not, or only slightly, influenced by industrial activities.